Ubiquitination assay

ABSTRACT

The present invention related to a method of assaying ubiquitination in a sample by combining ubiquitin and two or more of E1, E2, E3 and a substrate protein in a sample under conditions suitable for ubiquitination to take place, exposing the sample with a labelled binding partner which is specific for the ubiquitin and measuring the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to any one of the components in the sample, wherein one or more of the components in the sample comprises an immobilization tag which facilitates its immobilization onto a solid surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to assays to measure the activity of ubiquitination enzymes and the use of such assays in screening for agents that modulate this activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many diseases are caused by aberrant levels of proteins which cause cellular responses to be either heightened or dampened. Under normal conditions, proteins are targeted for proteasomal degradation by the ubiquitination pathway. Ubiquitination is the post-translational modification of a protein by the covalent attachment of one or more ubiquitin monomers.

The cascade leading to ubiquitination by a ubiquitination ligase (E3) is a complex enzymatic process with numerous proteins involved. There are three different catalytic events: ubiquitin activation; ubiquitin conjugation and ubiquitin ligation.

Ubiquitin is first activated in an ATP-dependent manner by a ubiquitin activating enzyme (E1). The C-terminus of a ubiquitin forms a high energy thiolester bond with E1. The ubiquitin is then passed to a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2; also called ubiquitin carrier protein), also linked to this second enzyme via a thiolester bond. The ubiquitin is finally linked to its target protein to form a terminal isopeptide bond under the guidance of a ubiquitin ligase (E3). In this process, chains of ubiquitin are formed on the target protein, each covalently ligated to the next through the activity of E3.

E1 and E2 are structurally related and well characterized enzymes. There are several species of E2 (at least 25 in mammals), some of which act in preferred pairs with specific E3 enzymes to confer specificity for different target proteins.

E3 enzymes contain two separate activities: a ubiquitin ligase activity to conjugate ubiquitin to substrates and form polyubiquitin chains via isopeptide bonds, and a targeting activity to bring the ligase and substrate physically together. Substrate specificity of different E3 enzymes is the major determinant in the selectivity of the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation process.

As the ubiquitination cascade provides important targets for therapeutics, it is crucial to have an effective in vitro ubiquitination assay. In particular, it is important that such an assay can be used for high-throughput screening of potential ubiquitination cascade modulators.

Ubiquitination assays are well known in the art. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,725, the level of ubiquitination of a particular substrate is measured by monitoring changes to the molecular weight of the substrate as a marker of ubiquitination activity. The assay is specific for the Cdc53 and Cdc-53 related human cullin E3 ubiquitin ligases and their limited substrates, e.g. Sic1. As the assay relies on changes in molecular weight of the substrate, direct measurement of ubiquitination over the time course of the reaction is difficult and the ubiquitinated substrates are preferably analysed after completion of the reaction, i.e. via SDS PAGE separation. This limitation makes the assay inefficient for high-throughput screening.

EP1767649 describes a ubiquitination assay which specifically measures the auto-ubiquitination of the enzyme synoviolin. As this assay measures auto-ubiquitination, not only is the ubiquitin ligase limited to synoviolin, but the assay only measures the level of ubiquitination of a single product, the synoviolin itself.

The ubiquitination assay described in EP1268847 measures E3 ligase activity by monitoring the amount of poly-ubiquitin bound to the ligase itself. The ligase and ubiquitin are labelled with a FRET pair. As the ligase is labelled with one member of the FRET pair, it is directly involved in detection of ubiquitination. Furthermore, the ubiquitination measured is ubiquitination of the ligase itself. Therefore, the assay is limited to use in detection of auto-ubiquitination of a single E3 ligase.

Although assays for ubiquitination already exist in the art, these assays are limited by their specificity to a particular ubiquitin ligase, or their specificity to a particular substrate. Furthermore, if the known assays are used to screen for potential ubiquitination modulators, they are not capable of distinguishing which particular event in the ubiquitination cascade is affected. There is therefore a need in the art for improved ubiquitination assays which overcome the disadvantages associated with the assays known in the art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The inventors have surprisingly found that, by specifically and differentially labelling the various with components of the ubiquitination cascade with different tags, the different stages of the ubiquitination cascade can be investigated directly from a single assay. Additionally it is possible to sequentially determine activity at each stage of the cascade without changing the assay composition.

Accordingly, the invention provides a method of assaying ubiquitination in a sample comprising:

a) combining in a sample under conditions suitable for ubiquitination to take place:

(i) ubiquitin;

and two or more of:

(ii) E1;

(iii) E2;

(iv) E3; and

(v) a substrate protein;

b) exposing the sample to a labelled binding partner which is specific for the ubiquitin; and

c) measuring the amount of ubiquitin bound to any one of the components (ii) to (v) in the sample

wherein one or more of components (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v) in the sample comprises an immobilisation tag which facilitates its immobilisation onto a solid surface.

Preferably, all of components (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) are combined in the sample. Preferably, more than one of components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) in the sample comprise an immobilisation tag, and each tag is different. Preferably, two, three or all of components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) in the sample are tagged and each immobilisation tag is different. Preferably, the immobilisation tag(s) present on one or more of components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) in the sample are selected from the group consisting of a his tag; GST tag; HA tag; c-Myc tag and FLAG tag.

In one embodiment component (ii) in the sample may comprise an immobilisation tag. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (iii), (iv) and (v) may also comprise an immobilisation tag.

In another embodiment component (iii) in the sample may comprise an immobilisation tag. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (ii), (iv) and (v) may also comprise an immobilisation tag.

In another embodiment component (iv) in the sample may comprise an immobilisation tag. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (ii), (iii) and (iv) may also comprise an immobilisation tag.

In another embodiment component (v) in the sample may comprise an immobilisation tag. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (ii), (iii) and (iv) may also comprise an immobilisation tag.

Preferably, one or more of components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) in the sample are immobilised on a solid surface. Preferably, only one of components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) in the sample are immobilised on a solid surface.

In one embodiment component (ii) in the sample may be immobilised on a solid surface. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (iii), (iv) and (v) may be immobilised on a solid surface.

In another embodiment component (iii) in the sample may be immobilised on a solid surface. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (ii), (iv) and (v) may be immobilised on a solid surface.

In another embodiment component (iv) in the sample may be immobilised on a solid surface. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (ii), (iii) and (v) may be immobilised on a solid surface.

In another embodiment component (v) in the sample may be immobilised on a solid surface. In this embodiment, none, one, two or three of components (ii), (iii) and (iv) may be immobilised on a solid surface.

Preferably the solid surface is an electrode. Preferably, the electrode comprises a binding member which is specific for one of the immobilisation tags.

Preferably, step (a) further comprises combining a potential modulator of ubiquitination.

Providing an effective in vitro ubiquitination assay has until now been difficult due to E3 ligases being such a large and varied group of proteins, each member of which may be modulated differently by a variety of different proteins.

The inventors have overcome these difficulties and provided an optimised method for assaying ubiquitination as described in detail below.

Step (a)

The methods of the invention are for assaying ubiquitination in a sample. Step (a) involves combining all of the components required for a ubiquitination reaction to occur in a sample. For the avoidance of doubt, this may include any different combination of components (ii). (iii), (iv) and (v) with component (i) under conditions suitable for ubiquitination to take place. For example components (ii) and (iii) may be combined with component (i); components (iii) and (iv) may be combined with component (i); or components (iv) and (v) may be combined with component (i). Preferably all of components (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) are combined with component (i) in the sample.

Preferably the sample is in the form of a solution. The components of step (a) may be combined in any order. In a preferred embodiment, the ubiquitin is added to the sample last, in order to commence the ubiquitination reaction.

For the avoidance of doubt, a ubiquitination assay according to the invention includes both situations where ubiquitination is occurring and is suspected of occurring. Even if ubiquitination is not in fact occurring, the method is still one “for assaying ubiquitination”. For example, the method may be performed on a negative control sample, for example, to confirm the fidelity of the assay. As a further example, if the assay is being used to select for a potential modulator of ubiquitination, the potential modulator may inhibit the process of ubiquitination.

Step (a) takes place in a first reaction container.

Suitable reaction containers for use in the invention can hold a volume of liquid and include, but are not limited to, test tubes, eppendorf tubes, wells in microtitre plates and mixing trays.

Step (a) of the methods of the invention is intended to be incubated for a finite period of time, for example, in the range of about 1 to 300 minutes, e.g. about 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, 120, 180, 240 or 300. An example of a preferred period is an incubation period between 10 and 60 minutes. Preferably the incubation period is 60 minutes.

Step (a) may be incubated at any temperature in the range of about 0-99° C., e.g. at around 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 37, 40, 45, 50, or 60° C., or even higher. Conveniently, step (i) may be incubated at between about 20° C. and 40° C., for example, room temperature, 25, 30 or 37° C.

If the ubiquitination reaction is allowed to proceed for a finite period of time, then it may be stopped by, for example, the addition of EDTA, heating, freezing, acidification or alkination (i.e. pH shock), the addition of a known ubiquitination inhibitor, etc.

The sample may be any specimen in which the components of step (a) are combined together to allow a ubiquitination reaction to occur. The sample may contain other components in addition to the components described above. For example, the sample may comprise buffers, salts, metal ions, and other components required to facilitate ubiquitination. If the assay is being used to screen for potential modulators of ubiquitination, the sample will also include a potential modulator.

Ubiquitination assays are well known in the art, and the skilled person will be aware of the conditions which are suitable for allowing a ubiquitination reaction to proceed. For example, a ubiquitination reaction mixture will usually comprise buffers, salts, metal ions, ATP, mono-ubiquitin and the enzymes described herein which are required to facilitate ubiquitination, i.e. one or more of E1, E2 and E3.

Step (b)

Step (b) of a method according to the invention involves exposing the sample to a labelled binding partner. This step can take place in the same reaction container or may involve the transfer of the sample to a second reaction container.

If step (b) takes place in the same reaction vessel, then the exposure of the sample to the labelled binding partner may be facilitated by the addition of a slide, rod or beads, coated with the labelled binding partner, to the first reaction vessel or may simply involve the addition of the labelled binding partner to the sample, e.g. as a solution.

Step (b) may occur after the sample has been incubated for a period of time, but may also occur at approximately the same time as the step (a). For example, the labelled binding partner may be in solution with the sample or may be added at a particular time point during the ubiquitination reaction. Therefore, the labelled binding partner may form part of the sample, or may be added to the sample at a later stage. Both of these embodiments are included when we refer to “exposing the sample”.

If step (b) occurs after the ubiquitination reaction has been allowed to occur for a finite period of time, the reaction may have been stopped as described above and step (b) may occur minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months after the ubiquitination reaction has been stopped. The skilled reader will also appreciate that the components of step (a) may be mixed together and once the ubiquitination reaction has begun, samples may be taken continually throughout the reaction to produce a series of data over a certain timecourse.

If step (b) of the methods of the invention involves the transfer of the sample to a second reaction container then this transfer can be achieved by any method known in the art including, but not limited to, pipetting, pouring or transfer along microchannels between wells in a microfluidic chip.

Also envisaged by the invention is a first reaction container, separated from the second reaction container by a removable partition. The partition prevents the sample of step (a) gaining access to the labelled binding partner until step (b). In such a case, transfer of the sample to the second reaction container involves the removal of the partition. For example, the mixing container may be an eppendorf tube containing a wax plug separating the reagents used in step (a) and step (b) of the reaction. Transfer of the first mixing product between the first and second reaction container in this example may be achieved by increasing the temperature of the tube sufficiently to melt the wax plug.

Ubiquitination Pathway

Ubiquitination of proteins in vivo is normally carried out by three enzymes: E1, E2 and a ubiquitin ligase, often referred to in the art as an E3 ligase. The process occurs in three stages. Firstly activation of ubiquitin is undertaken by the ubiquitin activating enzyme E1. A ubiquitin-adenylate is produced from ubiquitin and ATP, and is transferred to the active site of E1, where AMP is released. The second step involves the transfer of ubiquitin from the active site of E1 to the active site of E2, a ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, via a trans(thio)esterification reaction. The final step of ubiquitination produces an isopeptide bond between a lysine residue of the target protein and the ubiquitin. This is achieved by an E3 ligase which recognises the target protein, forms interactions with both the ubiquitin bound E2 enzyme and the target protein, and finally forms the isopeptide bond between the lysine and the ubiquitin. Further ubiquitins are then added by the same mechanism to a lysine residue present on the ubiquitin attached to the target protein, and the process is repeated in order to form a chain of poly-Ub.

E1

Ubiquitin-activating enzymes, also known as E1 enzymes, catalyze the first step in the ubiquitination cascade. Ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1) starts the ubiquitination process. The E1 enzyme along with ATP binds to the ubiquitin protein. The E1 enzyme then passes the ubiquitin protein to the ubiquitin carrier or conjugation protein (E2).

The skilled person will appreciate that the methods of the invention are suitable for use with any known E1 enzyme.

Preferably the methods of the invention use ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 1 (UBE1), also known as UBA1, which is an enzyme encoded by the UBA1 gene in humans. UBE1 catalyzes the first step in ubiquitin by first adenylating its C-terminal glycine residue with ATP, and thereafter linking this residue to the side chain of a cysteine residue in E1, yielding an ubiquitin-E1 thioester and free AMP.

Preferably the UBE1 used in the methods of the present invention is the human protein, which is a 1058 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: NP_003325) having the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:1, or an active fragment or variant thereof.

Preferably the UBE1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 3-7 nM, i.e. 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 nM. It is especially preferred that the UBE1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 5 nM.

E2

While the nomenclature for E2, also known as ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme is not standardized across species, investigators in the field have addressed this issue and the skilled person can readily identify various E2 proteins, as well as species homologues (See Haas and Siepmann, FASEB J. 11:1257-1268 (1997)). These enzymes catalyse the second step in the ubiquitination reaction that targets a protein for degradation via the proteasome.

Once activated by E1, the activated ubiquitin is then transferred to an E2 cysteine. Once conjugated to ubiquitin, the E2 molecule binds one of several ubiquitin ligases or E3s via a structurally conserved binding region.

The skilled person will appreciate that the methods of the invention are suitable for use with any known E2 enzyme.

Preferably the E2 enzyme used in the methods of the present invention is UbCH3 or an active fragment or variant thereof, preferably human UbCH3, which is also known as CDC34. Human UbCH3 is a 236 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: NP_004350.1) having the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:2.

Preferably the UbCH3 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 750-1250 nM, i.e. 750, 775, 800, 825, 850, 875, 900, 925, 950, 975, 1000, 1025, 1050, 1075, 1100, 1125, 1150, 1175, 1200, 1225 or 1250 nM. It is especially preferred that the UbCH3 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 1 μM.

E3

Some E3 ubiquitin ligases are known to have a single subunit responsible for the ligase activity. Such E3 ligases that have been characterized include the HECT (homologous to E6-AP carboxy terminus) domain proteins, represented by the mammalian E6AP-E6 complex which functions as a ubiquitin ligase for the tumor suppressor p53 and which is activated by papillomavirus in cervical cancer (Huang et al., Science 286: 1321-26 (1999)).

Single subunit ubiquitin ligases having a RING domain include Mdm2, which has also been shown to act as a ubiquitin ligase for p53, as well as Mdm2 itself. Other RING domain, single subunit E3 ligases include: TRAF6, involved in IKK activation; Cbl, which targets insulin and EGF; Sina/Siah, which targets DCC; Itchy, which is involved in haematopoesis (B, T and mast cells); and IAP, involved with inhibitors of apoptosis.

The best characterized E3 ligase is the APC (anaphase promoting complex), which is a multi-subunit complex that is required for both entry into anaphase as well as exit from mitosis (King et al., Science 274:1652-59 (1996) for review).

In eukaryotes, a family of complexes with E3 ligase activity play an important role in regulating G1 progression. These complexes, called SCF's, consist of at least three subunits, SKP 1, Cullins (having at least seven family members) and an F-box protein (of which hundreds of species are known) which bind directly to and recruit the substrate to the E3 complex.

The skilled person will appreciate that the methods of the invention are suitable for use with any known E3 ligase, which in turn can comprise any E3 ligase component.

Preferably the methods of the present invention rely on an E3 ligase comprising the following components:

S-phase Kinase-Associated Protein 2 (Skp2)

Skp2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the SKP2 gene. This gene encodes a member of the F-box protein family which is characterized by an approximately 40 amino acids motif, the F-box. The F-box proteins constitute one of the four subunits of a ubiquitin protein ligase complex called SCF, which functions in phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination. The F-box proteins are divided into 3 classes: Fbws containing WD-40 domains, Fbls containing leucine-rich repeats, and Fbxs containing either different protein-protein interaction modules or no recognizable motifs (Kipreos ET, Pagano M. (2000). The F-box protein family. Genome Biol 1(5): Reviews3002).

The protein encoded by the Skp2 gene belongs to the Fbls class; in addition to an F-box, this protein contains 10 tandem leucine-rich repeats. It specifically recognizes phosphorylated cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B, also referred to as p27 or KIP1) predominantly in S phase and interacts with S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (SKP1 or p19). Alternative splicing of this gene generates 2 transcript variants encoding different isoforms.

It is preferred that a method according to the present invention utilizes the human isoform-1 variant of Skp2 which is a 424 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: AAK31593), or an active fragment or variant thereof. The wild type sequence is given in SEQ ID NO:3.

Preferably the Skp2 protein is present in the sample at a final concentration of between about 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the Skp2 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Skp1

S-phase kinase-associated protein 1 (SKP1) is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the Skp1 gene. SKP1 is a member of the SCF ubiquitin ligase protein complex. It binds to proteins containing an F-box motif, such as cyclin F, Skp2, and other regulatory proteins involved in ubiquitination. Alternative splicing of this gene results in two transcript variants: “isoform-a” and “isoform-b”.

It is preferred that a method according to the invention utilizes the human isoform-a variant of Skp1 which is a 160 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: NP_008861), or an active fragment or variant thereof. The wild type sequence is given in SEQ ID NO:4.

Preferably the Skp1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the Skp1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Cullin 1 (Cull)

Cull is a human protein and gene from the cullin family. Cull plays an important role in protein degradation and protein ubiquitination and is an essential component of the SCF (SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. In the SCF complex, Cull serves as a rigid scaffold that organizes the SKP1-F-box protein and RBX1 subunits. The protein is usually neddylated, which enhances the ubiquitination activity of SCF.

Preferably the methods of the invention utilize human Cull, which is a 776 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: NP_003583), or a fragment or variant thereof. The wild type protein has the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:5.

Preferably the Cull is present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the Cull is present in the sample at a final concentration of about 25 nM.

RING-Box Protein 1 (Rbx1)

Rbx1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RBX1 gene. Rbx1 is an evolutionarily-conserved protein which interacts with cullins. The protein plays a unique role in the ubiquitination reaction by heterodimerizing with Cull to catalyze ubiquitin polymerization.

Preferably the methods of the invention utilize human Rbx1, which is a 108 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: CAG30446), or an actice fragment or variant thereof. The wild type protein has the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:6.

Preferably the Rbx1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the Rbx1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Cks1

Cks1 is a member of the highly conserved Suc1/Cks family of cell cycle regulatory proteins and is also known as CDC28. All proteins of this family have Cdk-binding and anion-binding sites, but only mammalian Cks1 binds to Skp2 and promotes the association of Skp2 with p27 phosphorylated on Thr-187.

Preferably the methods of the invention utilize human Cks1, which is a 79 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: NP_001817) or a fragment or variant thereof. The wild type protein has the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:7.

Preferably the Cks1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the Cks1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2)

CDK2 is a human gene which encodes a protein which is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinase family of Ser/Thr protein kinases. This protein kinase is highly similar to the gene products of S. cerevisiae cdc28, and S. pombe cdc2. Two alternatively spliced variants and multiple transcription initiation sites of this gene have been reported.

Preferably the methods of the invention utilize human CDK2, which is a 298 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: CAA43985) or an active fragment or variant thereof. The wild type protein has the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:8.

Preferably the CDK2 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the CDK2 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Cyclin E1

Cyclin-E1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CCNE1 gene. Cyclin E1 belongs to the highly conserved cyclin family, whose members are characterized by a dramatic periodicity in protein abundance through the cell cycle. Cyclins function as regulators of CDK kinases. Different cyclins exhibit distinct expression and degradation patterns which contribute to the temporal coordination of each mitotic event. This cyclin forms a complex with and functions as a regulatory subunit of CDK2, whose activity is required for cell cycle G1/S transition.

This protein accumulates at the G1-S phase boundary and is degraded as cells progress through S phase. Overexpression of this gene has been observed in many tumors, which results in chromosome instability, and thus may contribute to tumorigenesis. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene, which encode distinct isoforms, have been described.

Preferably the methods of the invention utilize human Cyclin E1, which is a 395 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: AAM54043), or an active fragment or variant thereof. The wild type protein has the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:9.

Preferably the Cyclin E1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the cyclin E1 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Substrate

The methods of the invention provide a ubiquitination assay which is suitable for use with a range of different substrates. The skilled person will appreciate that the ubiquitination cascade is responsible for the ubiquitination of many cellular proteins. Accordingly, all of these proteins are suitable for use as a substrate in the methods of the invention.

It will be appreciated that different F-box proteins which form part of the E3 ligase are primarily responsible for the specific binding of the different substrates. Therefore, the F-box protein which forms part of the E3 ligase used in the methods of the invention may be selected based on the choice of substrate. Examples of such substrates will be known to the skilled person and, in particular, are described in Deshaies & Joazeiro (Annu Rev Biochem. 2009; 78:399-434).

Preferably the substrate is p27.

p27

p27, also known as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the CDKN1B gene. p27 belongs to the Cip/Kip family of cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor proteins. The encoded protein binds to and prevents the activation of cyclin E-CDK2 or cyclin D-CDK4 complexes, and thus controls the cell cycle progression at G1. It is often referred to as a cell cycle inhibitor protein because its major function is to stop or slow down the cell division cycle.

The p27Kip1 gene has a DNA sequence similar to other members of the “Cip/Kip” family which include the p21Cip1/Waf1 and p57Kip2 genes. In addition to this structural similarity the “Cip/Kip” proteins share the functional characteristic of being able to bind several different classes of Cyclin and Cdk molecules. For example, p27Kip1 binds to cyclin D either alone, or when complexed to its catalytic subunit CDK4. Likewise, p27Kip1 is able to bind other Cdk proteins when complexed to cyclin subunits such as Cyclin E/Cdk2 and Cyclin A/Cdk2.

Preferably the methods of the invention utilize human p27, which is a 199 amino acid protein (Pubmed accession no.: BAA25263) or an active fragment or variant thereof. The wild type protein has the sequence given in SEQ ID NO:10. Preferably the p27 is phosphorylated at position T187.

Preferably the p27 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the p27 is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Preferred Combinations of Components

Preferably the Skp2 isoform 1, Skp1, Cull and Rbx1 are combined with each other prior to combination with the other components of (a). In this embodiment these four components are thought to form a tetramer. Preferably the Skp2 isoform 1, Skp1, Cull and Rbx1 tetramer are present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. It is particularly preferred that the Skp2 isoform 1, Skp1, Cull and Rbx1 tetramer is present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Preferably the p27, CDK2 and cyclin E1 are combined with each other prior to combination with the other components of (a). Preferably the p27, CDK2 and cyclin E1 are co-expressed in the same host cell and purified as a complex, which is then used in the methods of the invention. If the p27, CDK2 and cyclin E1 are combined together prior to the combination with the other components, or are co-expressed, then preferably the complex should be present in the sample at a final concentration of 20-30 nM, i.e. about 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or about 30 nM. Preferably the p27, CDK2 and cyclin E1 complex are present in the sample at a final concentration of 25 nM.

Variants

The preferred E1, E2, E3 components and substrate for use in the methods of the invention are described above. However, the skilled person will appreciate that these components can be substituted with any known variant of these components, including active fragments, naturally-occurring alleles, modified variants or variants from species other than Homo sapiens. These variants are all suitable for use in the methods of the invention, provided that they retain activity. By “retain activity” is meant that the normal biological activity of the wild type protein, as a component of the ubiquitination machinery, is retained to such a degree to enable the assay to function at a level adequate for the researcher's requirements e.g. at a level 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of wild type activity.

A variant of the various components may comprise substitutions, additions or deletions in its amino acid sequence compared to SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. In a preferred embodiment, the variant comprises an amino acid sequence with greater than 75% sequence identity, i.e. 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% or more to the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.

A variant may also represent a fragment of the wild type full length protein, truncated, for example, at one or both the N and/or C termini. A truncation may be to a length 50% of the full length sequence, or 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% or more of the full length sequence, provided that the biological activity of the wild type protein is retained to such a degree to enable the assay to function at a level adequate for the researcher's requirements e.g. at a level 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of wild type activity.

A variant may also form part of a larger protein complex. For example, a variant may represent one domain of a multi-domain protein, or may further comprise additional features to facilitate purification, detection and stability of the expressed protein. For example, the variant may comprise a polyarginine tag (Arg-tag), polyhistidine tag (His-tag), FLAG-tag, Strep-tag, c-myc-tag, S-tag, calmodulin-binding peptide, cellulose-binding domain, SBP-tag, chitin-binding domain, glutathione S-transferase-tag (GST), maltose-binding protein, transcription termination anti-termination factor (NusA), E. coli thioredoxin (TrxA) or protein disulfide isomerase I (DsbA).

Ubiquitin (Ub)

Ubiquitin is a highly conserved regulatory protein that is present in all eukaryotic cells.

The ubiquitin used in the methods of the invention may comprise any known variant of ubiquitin including naturally occurring alleles or modified variants. As ubiquitin is highly conserved, the ubiquitin used in the present invention may be ubiquitin from any species, for example, human ubiquitin which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 11, mouse ubiquitin which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 12, Arabidopsis ubiquitin which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 13, yeast ubiquitin which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 14, Drosophila ubiquitin which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 15, Dictyostelium ubiquitin which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 16 or bovine ubiquitin which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 17. Preferably, the ubiquitin used in the present invention is human ubiquitin, which comprises the amino acid sequence given in SEQ ID NO: 11, or an active variant or fragment thereof.

A variant of ubiquitin may comprise substitutions, additions or deletions in its amino acid sequence compared to SEQ ID NOs: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17. In a preferred embodiment, ubiquitin comprises an amino acid sequence with greater than 75% sequence identity, i.e. 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% or more to the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOs: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17. The ubiquitin of the invention may comprise a tag. Where the ubiquitin comprises a tag it is referred to as “tagged ubiquitin” and the tag is referred to as “the ubiquitin tag”.

Preferably the ubiquitin is present in the sample at a final concentration of between 1-3 μM, i.e. about 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75 or about 3 μM. It is particularly preferred that the ubiquitin is present in the sample at a final concentration of 2 μM.

Preferably the ubiquitin comprises a tag.

In one embodiment the ubiquitin or ubiquitin tag is recognized by the labelled binding partner. The skilled person will appreciate that, if present, the choice of tag is dependent on the choice of labelled binding partner. For example, if the labelled binding partner is an antibody then the tag may be a protein which is recognizable by the labelled binding partner antibody or vice versa. If the labelled binding partner is not an antibody, then the ubiquitin tag may be a protein with a high affinity for it. In a preferred embodiment, the ubiquitin tag is biotin or a derivative thereof and the labelled binding partner is streptavidin or a derivative thereof.

In another embodiment, the ubiquitin tag is capable of interacting with the labelled binding partner to produce a detectable signal. Preferably in this embodiment the ubiquitin tag and the labelled binding partner form a FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) pair. In this case the ubiquitin tag will be either a donor or acceptor dye, whilst the labelled binding partner will be labelled with the other. Only when the two are brought into close proximity, through the respective binding of the ubiquitin and labelled binding partner, will photon emission be observable.

Labels used to form a FRET pair can be any molecule that may be detected via its inherent fluorescent properties. Examples of fluorescent labels include, but are not limited to fluorescein isothiocyanate, fluorescein/rhodamine, coumarin/fluorescein, Alexa fluors, IAEDANS, BODIPY FL, europium cryptate, Cy dyes, XL665 and Oregon green. In a preferred embodiment the two labels which constitute the FRET pair are europium cryptate and XL665. In addition to FRET partners, FRET/Quench methods may be used in the invention. These methods rely on a donor dye and another molecule which accepts energy but does not emit, effectively quenching the donor dye, for example iron quench.

Poly-Ubiquitin (Poly-Ub)

It will be appreciated that poly-Ub comprises at least two ubiquitin monomers covalently attached to one another. Poly-Ub of the present invention is a polymer formed from ubiquitin as described above. Poly-Ub comprises two or more labelled ubiquitins covalently attached to one another e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 or more. Poly-Ub may be free poly-Ub chains, poly-Ub bound to a substrate protein, or poly-Ub bound to the ubiquitin ligase.

Adenosine-5′-Triphosphate (ATP)

ATP is a multifunctional nucleotide used in cells as a coenzyme. ATP transports chemical energy within cells for metabolism. It is produced by photophosphorylation and cellular respiration and used by enzymes and structural proteins in many cellular processes, including biosynthetic reactions, motility, and cell division. One molecule of ATP contains three phosphate groups, and it is produced by ATP synthase from inorganic phosphate and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or adenosine monophosphate (AMP). Guanidine-5′-triphosphate (GTP), Cytidine-5′-triphosphate (CTP), Uridine-5′-triphosphate (UTP) or Thymidine-5′-triphosphate (TTP) may also be used in the methods of the invention.

Preferably, the methods of the invention use ATP.

Preferably the ATP is present in the sample at a final concentration of 75-12504, i.e. about 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120 or about 125 μM. Preferably, the ATP is present in the sample at a final concentration of 100 μM.

Labelled Binding Partner

The labelled binding partner used in the methods of the invention interacts with the ubiquitin either directly or via the ubiquitin tag. The labelled binding partner is specific for the ubiquitin or the tagged ubiquitin. As such, the labelled binding partner may bind to the ubiquitin or to the ubiquitin tag and both possibilities are used interchangeably herein.

Preferably, the labelled binding partner has a higher affinity for ubiquitin than for any of the other components used in the methods of the invention, in the sense that it binds preferentially to ubiquitin.

Preferably the labelled binding partner has a binding affinity (Kd) of less than 10⁻⁶ M, i.e. 10⁻⁷ M, 10⁻⁸ M, 10⁻⁹ M, 10⁻¹° M, 10⁻¹¹ M, 10⁻¹² M or even 10⁻¹³ M or less towards ubiquitin. Preferably, the labelled binding partner has a binding affinity (Kd) of less than 10⁻⁹ M, i.e., 10⁻¹⁰ M, 10⁻¹¹ M, 10⁻¹² M or 10⁻¹³ M towards ubiquitin.

The labelled binding partner may comprise one or more molecules which have an affinity for ubiquitin.

The labelled binding partner may comprise an antibody. Antibodies may be of any isotype (e.g. IgA, IgG, IgM i.e. an α, γ or μ heavy chain). Antibodies may have a κ or a λ light chain. Within the IgG isotype, antibodies may be IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4 subclass. The term “antibody” includes any suitable natural or artificial immunoglobulin or derivative thereof. In general, the antibody will comprise a Fv region which possesses specific antigen binding activity. This includes, but is not limited to: whole immunoglobulins, antigen binding immunoglobulin fragments (e.g. Fv, Fab, F(ab′)₂ etc.), single chain antibodies (e.g. scFv), oligobodies, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, veneered antibodies, etc.

Antibodies used as the labelled binding partner of the invention may be polyclonal or monoclonal.

The labelled binding partner may in an alternative embodiment, comprise an aptamer. By ‘aptamer’ we mean a nucleic acid sequence which, owing to said nucleic acid sequence and the environment in which this sequence is located, forms a three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure confers, in part, binding properties to aptamers which have specificity to a target molecule or molecules. In the present invention, the aptamer shows binding specificity towards ubiquitin molecule.

Aptamers are typically oligonucleotides which may be single stranded oligodeoxynucleotides, oligoribonucleotides, or modified oligodeoxyribonucleotides or modified oligoribonucleotides. A screening method to identify aptamers is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,163. The term ‘modified’ in the context of aptamers refers to nucleotides with a covalently modified base and/or sugar or sugar derivative.

In another alternative embodiment the labelled binding partner may comprise a ubiquitin binding domain (UBD). UBDs are modular protein domains that are able to bind non-covalently to ubiquitin. The natural function of UBDs is to transmit information conferred by protein ubiquitination in order to control various cellular events. UBDs usually comprise 20-150 amino acids and can be found as part of ubiquitination enzymes, de-ubiquitination enzymes or ubiquitin receptors. Around 10 different motifs have so far been characterised as ubiquitin binding domains (Hicke et al., 2005), the structures of which are highly varied. All UBDs however contact the same face of ubiquitin, which comprises the amino acid residue isoleucine 44. The different motifs of UBDs have different affinities for mono-Ub and poly-Ub depending on their function in vivo, and some of the UBDs also distinguish between poly-Ub with linkage at lysine 63 and that with linkage at lysine 48.

UBDs are present in all proteins that are capable of binding ubiquitin and therefore all proteins that are involved in the ubiquitination reaction or the recognition of ubiquitinated proteins contain a UBD within them.

Within this embodiment the UBD may be a particular class of UBD which is able to bind to poly-Ub preferentially over mono-Ub. These are known as ubiquitin associated domains (UBAs). UBAs are able to distinguish between poly-Ub and mono-Ub because they have a higher binding affinity for poly-Ub compared to mono-Ub. Preferably, the UBAs form three-helix bundles, with two of these three helices packing against ubiquitin on binding.

The preferential binding affinity for poly-Ub over mono-Ub may be defined by the UBAs' respective dissociation constants (K_(d)) for the two species. Binding affinity of UBAs may typically be between 10 and 1000 times greater for poly-Ub compared to mono-Ub, i.e. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 times or more greater for poly-Ub than for mono-Ub. Preferably, binding affinity of a UBA used in the present invention is about 50 times greater for poly-Ub than for mono-Ub. UBAs will typically have a K_(d) of about 0.03-9 μM, i.e. about 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 μM for poly-Ub, and a K_(d) of about 10-500 μM, i.e. about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 or 500 μM for mono-Ub.

Preferred UBAs include, but are not limited to, Rad23-UBA1 (Accession No. AAB28441, amino acids 146-186), Rad23-UBA2 (Accession No. AAB28441, amino acids 355-395), Dsk2-UBA (Accession No. NP_014003, amino acids 327-371), Ubp14-UBA2 (Accession No. CAA85001, amino acids 649-689), Ubc1-UBA (Accession no. CAA39812) and Rpn10-UIM (Accession no. EEU06553, amino acids 223-242). In one preferred embodiment the UBA is derived from the Rad23 protein. In a further preferred embodiment, the UBA comprises protein domain UBA2 of the Rad23 protein and comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. The UBA used in the methods of the invention may comprise a variant of SEQ ID NO: 18. A variant of the UBA may comprise substitutions, additions or deletions in its amino acid sequence compared to SEQ ID NO: 18. The UBA may comprise an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity greater than 75%, i.e. 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% or more, to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:18. Variants of the UBA are included for use in the method of the invention provided that they maintain their ability to be able to bind to ubiquitin and preferably to differentiate between poly-Ub and mono-Ub, according to the definitions provided above.

UBAs may also form part of a larger protein complex. For example, they may represent one domain of a multi-domain protein, or may further comprise additional features to facilitate purification, detection and stability of the expressed protein, for example, a polyarginine tag (Arg-tag), polyhistidine tag (His-tag), FLAG-tag, Strep-tag, c-myc-tag, S-tag, calmodulin-binding peptide, cellulose-binding domain, SBP-tag, chitin-binding domain, glutathione S-transferase-tag (GST), maltose-binding protein, transcription termination anti-termination factor (NusA), E. coli thioredoxin (TrxA) and protein disulfide isomerase I (DsbA).

UBAs may be provided in the form of multimeric complexes comprising two or more UBAs or in the form of individual entities. The multimeric complex may be dimeric, trimeric, tetrameric, pentameric or hexameric. The UBAs present within the multimeric complex may be the same or different. The multimeric complex may be Tandem Ubiquitin Binding Entities (TUBES; tetrameric) or Tandem Dimeric UBAs (dimeric). A tandem dimeric UBA may comprise one or more of Dsk2 and Rad23, and in one embodiment may comprise or consist of Dsk2 and Rad23.

The methods of the invention may also use one or more fragments of UBAs provided that the fragment maintains the functional ability to be able to bind to ubiquitin and preferably to distinguish between poly-Ub and mono-Ub according to the definitions provided above.

In one embodiment one or more UBAs may be used to measure the level of polyubiquitin bound to any one of the components of the assay in step (c) as described in the PCT application entitled “Ubiquitination Assay” which claims priority from GB 1006604.1 and has the same Applicant as the present application.

In one embodiment, where the labelled binding partner recognises the ubiquitin or the ubiquitin tag the label present on the labelled binding partner may be measured directly or indirectly. Preferred labels include, but are not limited to, fluorescent labels, labelled enzymes and radioisotopes.

In a more preferred embodiment, the labelled binding partner is capable of emitting radiation when electrochemically stimulated. Preferably the radiation is in the visible spectrum. Preferably the label is selected from the group consisting of 3-aminophthalydrazide; a ruthenium chelate and an acridan ester. Preferably the label is tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II).

As discussed above in relation to the ubiquitin tag, the labelled binding partner is capable of interacting with the ubiquitin tag to produce a detectable signal. Preferably in this embodiment the ubiquitin tag and the labelled binding partner form a FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) pair. In this case the labelled binding partner tag will be with either a donor or acceptor dye, whilst the ubiquitin tag will be labelled with the other. Only when the two are brought into close proximity, through the respective binding of the ubiquitin and labelled binding partner, will photon emission be observable.

Step (c)

In one embodiment, step (c) may be performed two or more times in order to measure the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to two or more of components (ii) to (v) in the sample. For example, step (c) may be performed twice in order to measure the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to two of components (ii) to (v) in the sample, three times in order to measure the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to three of components (ii) to (v) in the sample or four times in order to measure the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to all of components (ii) to (v) in the sample. Where step (c) is performed less than four times, the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to any combination of components may be measured. In all embodiments the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to the components may be measured simultaneously or sequentially in any order.

Preferably the component(s) which is to be measured comprise an immobilisation tag. If the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to each relevant component is to be measured simultaneously, each immobilisation tag should be different to allow each of the relevant component to be separated and the level of ubiquitination measured.

In one embodiment, the composition of the assay is not altered between measurements of the ubiquitination of individual components.

The repetition of step (c) allows a single assay to be used to directly measure different stages of the ubiquitination cascade or to sequentially determine activity at each stage of the cascade without changing the assay composition.

Assay Formats

The methods of the invention are suitable for use in a number of different assay formats. For example, the method may be performed in a format wherein all components are present in a homogeneous phase, or alternatively the method may be performed in a format where one or more of the components is immobilised.

Homogeneous Phase Assay

As described above, step (a) involves combining all of the components required for a ubiquitination reaction to occur in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, the samples are in a homogeneous phase, that is, one where at least two reactants or even all reaction components are in the fluid (solution) phase. This assay format lends itself to application in high throughput screening of ubiquitination reactions.

This embodiment of the invention preferably exploits a labelled binding partner and ubiquitin tag which are capable of interacting to produce a detectable signal, e.g. a FRET pair. As discussed above, only upon binding of these two components will a detectable signal be emitted.

Immobilised Assay

In another embodiment of the invention, the assay may be performed in a format wherein one of the components of the sample is immobilised on a solid surface. Preferably the component to be immobilised comprises an immobilisation tag which facilitates its immobilisation onto the surface. Preferably the solid surface comprises a binding member which is specific for the immobilisation tag.

Preferably, it is the substrate which comprises an immobilisation tag.

This embodiment of the invention preferably comprises an additional wash step, (b′), which occurs between steps (b) and (c) and removes unbound components from the solid surface.

The immobilisation of a component to the solid surface allows for the direct detection of the labelled binding partner. For example, immobilising the substrate will also immobilise any ubiquitin bound to the substrate and in turn any labelled binding partner bound to the ubiquitin. The amount of labelled binding partner present is proportional to the amount of ubiquitin bound to the substrate. If the label present on the labelled binding partner is, for example, a dye, this will be visible.

In a preferred embodiment, the solid surface is an electrode. The labelled binding partner comprising a label which is capable of emitting radiation, preferably in the visible spectrum, upon stimulation is particularly suitable for use with this embodiment of the invention. If ubiquitination of the substrate has occurred, its immobilisation onto the electrode will bring bound ubiquitin, and in turn labelled binding partner into close proximity with the electrode. Passing a current through the electrode will cause stimulation of the labelled binding partner, in turn causing a signal to be emitted (See FIG. 51). The skilled person will appreciate that this embodiment of the invention is based on the principals of electrochemiluminescence.

Electrochemiluminescence

Electrochemiluminescence, or electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) is a kind of luminescence produced during electrochemical reactions in solutions. In electrogenerated chemiluminescence, electrochemically generated intermediates undergo a highly exergonic reaction to produce an electronically excited state that then emits light. ECL excitation is caused by energetic electron transfer (redox) reactions of electrogenerated species. Such luminescence excitation is a form of chemiluminescence where one/all reactants are produced electrochemically on the electrodes.

ECL is usually observed during application of potential (several volts) to electrodes of electrochemical cell that contains solution of luminescent species (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metal complexes) in aprotic organic solvent (ECL composition).

ECL combines analytical advantages of chemiluminescent analysis (absence of background optical signal) with ease of reaction control by applying electrode potential. Enhanced selectivity of ECL analysis is reached by variation of electrode potential thus controlling species that are oxidized/reduced at the electrode and take part in the ECL reaction.

ECL generally uses ruthenium complexes, especially [Ru(Bpy)3]²⁺ (which releases a photon at ˜620 nm) regenerating with TPA (Tripropylamine) in a liquid phase or at a liquid-solid interface. It can be used as monolayer immobilized on an electrode surface (made for example of nafion, or special thin films made by the Langmuir-Blogett technique or the self-assembly technique) or as a co-reactant or more commonly as a tag and used in HPLC, Ru tagged antibody based immunoassays, Ru Tagged DNA probes for PCR etc, NADH or H₂O₂ generation-based biosensors, oxalate and organic amine detection and many other applications and can be detected from picomolar sensitivity to a dynamic range of more than six orders of magnitude. Photon detection is done with PMT or silicon photodiode or gold coated fibre-optic sensors. These modifications are included within the scope of the invention.

Solid Surface

Where the methods of the invention require immobilisation onto a solid surface, the surface may be any surface or support upon which it is possible to immobilise one of the components of step (a) or the labelled binding partner, including one or more of a solid support (e.g., glass such as a glass slide or a coated plate, silica, plastic or derivatized plastic, paramagnetic or non-magnetic metal), a semi-solid support (e.g., a polymeric material, a gel, agarose, or other matrix), and/or a porous support (e.g., a filter, a nylon or nitrocellulose membrane or other membrane). In some embodiments, synthetic polymers can provide a solid surface, including, e.g., polystyrene, polypropylene, polyglycidylmethacrylate, aminated or carboxylated polystyrenes, polyacrylamides, polyamides, polyvinylchlorides, and the like. In preferred embodiments, the solid surface comprises a microtitre immunoassay plate or other surface suitable for use in an ELISA.

The surface of the substrate or support may be planar, curved, spherical, rod-like, pointed, wafer or wafer-like, or any suitable two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape on which the second binding partner may be immobilised, including, e.g., films, beads or microbeads, tubes or microtubes, wells or microtitre plate wells, microfibers, capillaries, a tissue culture dish, magnetic particles, pegs, pins, pin heads, strips, chips prepared by photolithography, etc. In some embodiments, the surface is UV-analyzable, e.g., UV-transparent.

Immobilisation Tag/Binding Member

The immobilisation tag is intended to be bound by the binding member. As such, the interaction between the two is a specific binding mechanism.

Immobilisation may be achieved in any number of ways, known in the art, described herein, and/or as can be developed. For example, immobilisation may involve any technique resulting in direct and/or indirect association of the immobilisation tag with the binding member, including any means that at least temporarily prevents or hinders release of the immobilisation tag (and the attached component) into a surrounding solution or other medium. The means can be by covalent bonding, non-covalent bonding, ionic bonding, electrostatic interactions, Hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, hydrophobic bonding, or a combination thereof. For example, immobilisation can be mediated by chemical reaction where the immobilisation tag contains an active chemical group that forms a covalent bond with the binding member. For example, an aldehyde-modified support surface can react with amino groups in protein receptors; or amino-based support surface can react with oxidization-activated carbohydrate moieties in glycoprotein receptors; a support surface containing hydroxyl groups can react with bifunctional chemical reagents, such as N,N dissuccinimidyl carbonate (DSC), or N-hydroxysuccinimidyl chloroformate, to activate the hydroxyl groups and react with amino-containing receptors. In some embodiments, support surface of the substrate may comprise animated or carboxylated polystyrenes; polyacrlyamides; polyamines; polyvinylchlorides, and the like. In still some embodiments, immobilization may utilize one or more binding-pairs to bind or otherwise attach the immobilisation tag to the binding member, including, but not limited to, an antigen-antibody binding pair, hapten/anti-hapten systems, a avidin-biotin binding pair; a streptavidin-biotin binding pair, a folic acid/folate binding pair; photoactivated coupling molecules, and/or double stranded oligonucleotides that selectively bind to proteins, e.g., transcriptional factors.

The skilled person will appreciate that a number of the immobilisation options described above are also suitable for immobilising any one of the components of step (a) without the need for an immobilisation tag.

The binding member may be immobilised on the surface of a reaction container or to beads which are added to the first reaction container (e.g. superparamagnetic polystyrene beads—Dynabeads M-450). Once binding of the immobilisation tag to the binding member is achieved, unbound reactants can be washed from the immobilised component. Detection of the component is then possible via the labelled binding partner.

Preferably, the binding member has a higher affinity for the immobilisation tag than for any of the other components used in the methods of the invention, in the sense that it binds preferentially to the immobilisation tag. The skilled person will appreciate that the same is true vice versa, i.e. the immobilisation tag preferentially binds to the binding member.

Preferably the binding member has a binding affinity (Kd) of less than 10⁻⁶ M, i.e. 10⁻⁷ M, 10⁻⁸ M, 10⁻⁹ M, 10⁻¹⁰ M, 10⁻¹¹ M, 10⁻¹² M or even 10⁻¹³ M or less towards the immobilisation tag. Preferably, the binding member has a binding affinity (Kd) of less than 10⁻⁹ M, i.e., 10⁻¹⁰ M, 10⁻¹¹ M, 10⁻¹² M or 10⁻¹³ M towards the immobilisation tag.

Preferably the immobilisation tag is selected from the group consisting of a polyarginine tag (Arg-tag), polyhistidine tag (His-tag), FLAG-tag, Strep-tag, c-myc-tag, S-tag, calmodulin-binding peptide, cellulose-binding domain, SBP-tag, chitin-binding domain, glutathione S-transferase-tag (GST), maltose-binding protein, transcription termination anti-termination factor (NusA), E. coli thioredoxin (TrxA) and protein disulfide isomerase I (DsbA).

Order of Contact with Solid Surface

Where the embodiments of the invention require immobilising any one of the components of step (a) onto a solid surface, the immobilisation may occur, before the components of step (a) are combined; after the components have been combined; after the components have been combined and the sample has been incubated for a finite period of time; or after the sample has been exposed to the labelled binding partner.

For example, step (a) may be carried out first and the ubiquitination reaction allowed to proceed for a finite period of time. The sample may then be exposed to the solid surface or to the labelled binding partner. If it is exposed to the solid surface first, it will then be exposed to the labelled binding partner. If it is exposed to the labelled binding partner first, it will then be exposed to the solid surface. Exposure to the solid surface in either case allows for the immobilisation of any one of the components of step (a).

Alternatively any one of the components of step (a) may be immobilised to the solid surface first, then the remainder of the components of step (a) combined in a sample which is in contact with the solid surface. The ubiquitination reaction is allowed to proceed and then exposed to the labelled binding partner.

Preferably, the methods of the invention involve completing step (a), allowing the reaction to proceed for a finite period of time, completing step (b), and then exposing the sample to a solid surface.

Screening for Modulators of Ubiquitination

One of the components of the sample may be a potential modulator of ubiquitination. By measuring levels of ubiquitination both in the presence and absence of a potential modulator, it is possible to assess the effect that any potential modulator has on ubiquitination. The modulator may affect one or more of the components involved in ubiquitination. For example, the modulator may affect E1, E2 or E3 directly or may affect the binding of these components to other components of the ubiquitination pathway. The possibility of using different substrates allows for modulators of ubiquitin ligase activity to be screened for their differing effects on different substrates.

Modulator

A modulator may be a compound which can increase or decrease the level of ubiquitination. By potential modulator it is meant that the compound either acts or is suspected to act as a modulator.

As E3 ligases comprise multiple protein components, all of which form interactions with neighbouring components as well as with other members of the ubiquitination pathway, the ubiquitin ligase provides many targets for potential modulators of activity. Potential areas of the ubiquitination pathway which may be targeted by modulators of ubiquitination may include but are not limited to E3 ligase interaction with the substrate, interaction between ubiquitin and the substrate, interactions between two protein subunits of the ubiquitin ligase, interactions between E1 enzyme and E2 enzyme, interaction between E2 enzyme and ubiquitin ligase, or a combination of these.

The ability of the methods of the present invention to provide an accurate and reliable ubiquitination assay allows for a large number of potential modulators to be screened effectively.

Controls

To detect ubiquitination using the methods of the invention a reference point is typically needed i.e. a control. Analysis of a control sample gives a standard level of ubiquitination and against which the sample can be compared.

A negative control sample may contain all components of the sample with a non-functional protein component that is essential for the reaction to take place. The negative control may also contain all but one of the components required for ubiquitination, e.g. ATP may be omitted from the reaction. Positive controls may also be used as a reference point to which a sample can be compared. For example, a positive control sample may contain components which give a known amount of ubiquitination over a set period of time.

Potential modulators may up-regulate or down-regulate the level of ubiquitination. To detect such up- or down-regulation, a reference point is typically needed i.e. a control. Analysis of a control sample gives a standard level of ubiquitination and therefore a standard level of ubiquitination against which the modulated sample can be compared.

A positive control sample may contain all components of the sample but lack the potential modulator. This can then provide a basal level of ubiquitination in the absence of the potential modulator. Negative controls may also be used as a reference point to which a sample containing a modulator can be compared. A negative control sample may contain a modulator which has a known effect on the level of ubiquitination.

High Throughput Screening

Optionally the methods of assaying provided by the invention may be used in the high throughput screening of potential modulators of ubiquitination. High throughput screening is a method of screening which allows high numbers of similar tests to be performed in parallel quickly and efficiently. High throughput screening may be achieved using a multi-well plate, which are well known in the art and include but are not limited to plates which comprise a grid of, for example, 96, 384, 1536, or 3456 small, open wells. These wells can each contain different samples to be tested, and the test can be conducted on all of the samples contemporaneously.

Kits

The invention also includes kits which are suitable for carrying out the methods of the invention. Preferably the kits will comprise the components required for step (a) of the methods of the invention as described above in addition to a labelled binding partner. The variations and preferred embodiments described in relation to these components are also intended to be reflected in preferred embodiments of the kits. That is, if a particular component is preferred for the methods of the invention, it is also preferred for the kits.

General

The term “comprising” encompasses “including” as well as “consisting” e.g. a composition “comprising” X may consist exclusively of X or may include something additional e.g. X+Y.

The term “about” in relation to a numerical value x means, for example, x±10%.

The word “substantially” does not exclude “completely” e.g. a composition which is “substantially free” from Y may be completely free from Y. Where necessary, the word “substantially” may be omitted from the definition of the invention.

Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: List of complexes, proteins, manufacturing names, expression systems and accession numbers used throughout this study.

FIG. 2: Ubiquitin biotinylation. Success of biotinylation and optimal conditions determined by ELISA (Streptavidin plate, anti-Ub primary antibody (R+D Systems, MAB701, 0.1-2 μg/ml), anti species-HRP secondary (Sigma, A5278, 1 μg/ml)

FIG. 3: Ube1 and Ube1/UbCH3—Gel based. Incubated E1/Ub/ATP and E1/E2/Ub/ATP (100 hr incubation) tested using SDS PAGE gels. A band shift indicative of the presence of Ubiquitinated Ube1 has been observed in both E1 and E1/E2 assays. No band associated with Ubiquitinated UbCH3 is visible. This band shift is ATP dependent. Antibody used: Mono- and poly-Ubiquitinated conjugates, mouse mAb horseradish peroxidise conjugate (FK2H)—Enzo Life Sciences, Cat no. PW0150, Batch no. X08036, supplied at 1 mg/ml, used at 1/1000 dilution.

FIG. 4: Pre-incubated Ube1/UbCH3—HTRF. Pre-incubated E1/Ub/ATP and E1/E2/Ub/ATP (20, 40 and 100 hour incubation) tested using HTRF platform. Anti-6His-K was employed for E1 and E2 detection; Anti-FLAG-K for E2; Biotinylated Ub; and Streptavidin)(Lent! for biotin. FRET signal indicative of the presence of Ubiquitinated Ube1 and UbCH3 has been observed. This signal is enzyme and ATP dependent for the E1/E2 assays, as well as time dependent for the E1 assay.

FIG. 5: ‘Live’ Ube1 assay (60 minutes incubation)—HTRF. ‘Live’ assays (60 minute incubation) for Ube1 at higher concentrations (>250 nM) show a good signal which is dependent on the Ub-biotin concentration. Anti-6His-K was employed for E1 detection; biotinylated Ub; and Streptavidin XLent! for Biotin. At lower E1 concentrations, the excess of Ub-biotin inhibits the detection of a signal.

FIG. 6: Pre-incubated Ube1/UbCH3-ECL. Pre-incubated E1/Ub/ATP and E1/E2/Ub/ATP (100 hour incubation) tested using ECL platform. Used Anti-His capture for E1 (Millipore, 16-255, 1/500-1/4000 dil); anti-FLAG capture for E2 (Millipore, MAB3118, 1/500-1/4000); biotinylated Ub; and streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Signal of the presence of ubiquitinated Ube1 and HbCH3 has been observed.

FIG. 7: Live Ube1 assay (60 minutes inc.)—ECL. Initial ‘live’ assays (60 minute incubation) for Ube1 show good signal (>1000000) but very high background level (>250000) (Max signal/background 4-5 fold). Subsequent Ubiquitin only controls indicates that at elevated concentrations of ubiquitin, there is non-specific ubiquitin binding and consequently high background.

FIG. 8: Live Ube1 assay (60 minutes inc.)—ECL. ‘Live’ assays (60 minute incubation) for Ube1 at lower concentrations of Ub (2 μM) still show good signal (>1000000) and lower background (<10000) (Max signal/background ˜100 fold). Observed ‘lag’ in signal increase with increasing Ube1 concentration. Signal is low at low concentrations of Ube1 (<25 mM). Approximately linear increase in signal after 25 nM.

FIG. 9: ATP and Ubiquitin titration (Ube1 Assay)—ECL. ‘Live’ Ube1 assay E1/Ub/ATP, varying ATP and Ubiquitin concentrations. Uses Anti-His capture for E1 (Millipore, 16-255, 1/1000 dil); 100 nM Ube1; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin Sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Saturating ubiquitin and ATP conditions—2 μM Ub/500 μM ATP.

FIG. 10: Ube1 timecourse—ECL. E1 assay appears to reach completion after a very short time period. Impossible to monitor in current format. Could reduce the amounts of ATP/Ub or decrease reaction temperature to see reaction progress.

FIG. 11: Ube1 inhibitor study PYR41— ECL. Inhibitor study. Titration of PYR41 (Calbiochem 662105) from 300 μM to 10 nM. Used anti-His capture for E1 (Millipore, 16-255, 1/1000 dil); 50 nM E1; 2 μM Ub; 500 μM ATP; 30-minute pre-incubation with cpd.; 30 minute reaction time. IC₅₀ of 1.3 μM—Similar to literature IC₅₀ value: BiogenNova quote IC₅₀ value as ˜5 μM.

FIG. 12 (a): Pre-incubated UbH3-ECL. Used pre-incubated His-E1/FLAG, c-Myc, HA-E2/Ub/ATP (24 hour incubation) and was tested using ECL platform. Used Anti-FLAG, c-Myc and HA capture for E2 (Millipore, MAB3118 (FLAG), 05274 (c-Myc), 05-904 (HA), all 1/500-1/4000); biotinylated Ub (1 μM); ATP 500 μM; E1:E2 pre inc. 1 μM:1 μM; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Signal indicative of the presence of Ubiquitinated UbCH3 has been observed.

FIG. 12 (b): ‘Live UbCH3 ECL. Used Anti-HA capture for E2 (Millipore, 05-904(HA), 1/500); 12.5 to 200 nM E1; 6.25 to 200 mM E2; 2 μM Ub; 500 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Initial ‘live’ assays (60 minute incubation) for UbCH3 show good signal (>1500000) at high E1 concentrations. Max signal appears to be dependent on the amount of E1 in the assay. HA and c-Myc UbCH3's perform better than the FLAG version.

FIG. 13: ‘Live’ UbCH3 Assay—ECL. Used Anti-HA or Anti-c-Myc capture for E2 (Millipore, 05-904(HA), 1/500) (Millipore, 05-274 (c-Myc), 1/500); 3.125 to 25 nM E1; 6.25 to 200 mM E2; 2 μM Ub; 500 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Some indication that non-specific binding of Ube1 leads to high signal. ‘Live’ UbCH3 assay repeated using low concentrations of Ube1.

FIG. 14 (a) Pre-incubated SCF^(skp2)—ECL. Used pre-incubated E1/E2/E3/p27/Ub/ATP (24 hour incubation) tested using ECL platform. Used anti-FLAG capture for p27 (Millipore, MAB3118 (FLAG), 1/500 to 1/4000); E1:E2:E3 based on Xu publication (40 nM E1:5 μM E2:40 nM E3; biotinylated Ub (10 μM), 500 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Signal indicative of the presence of Ubiquitinated p27 has been observed.

FIG. 14 (b) ‘Live’ SCF^(skp2)—ECL (b). Used ‘live’ E1/E2/E3/p27/Ub/ATP (60 minute incubation) tested using ECL platform. Used c-Myc and HA capture for p27 (05274 (c-Myc), 05-904 (HA), 1/500); 5 nM E1; 4 to 1000 nM E2 (HA or c-Myc); 50 nM E3; 3.125 to 100 nM p27; 204 Ub; 500 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Signal indicative of the presence of ubiquitinated p27 has been observed.

FIG. 15: Ube1 and Ube1+UbCH3 assay timecourse—HTRF. E1 assay: 1 μM NiNTA Ube1+1 μM Ub+2 mM ATP. E1+E2 assay: 1 μM NiNTA Ube1+1 μM Flag UbCH3+1 μM Ub+2 mM ATP. Both the E1 and E1+E2 assays appear to reach completion after a very short time period, which is in line with the ECL data. Used Anti-6HisK for E1+E2 detection; Anti-FLAG-K for E2; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. Impossible to monitor in current format. Samples were diluted to 10 nM E1 in x1 reaction buffer (RB).

FIG. 16: E2 and ubiquitin titration (Ube1+UbCH3 assay)—HTRF. ‘Live’ Ube1+UbCH3 assay—100 nM E1/varying [E2]/200 nM Ub/2 mM ATP. 60 minute room temperature incubation. ‘Live’ Ube1+UbCH3 assay—100 nM E1/1 μM E2/varying [Ub]/2 mM ATP, 60 min room temperature incubation. Samples diluted to 10 nM E1 in x1 reaction buffer. Used Anti-6His-K for E1+E2 detection; anti FLAG—K for E2 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. Optimal E1, E2 and Ubiquitin conditions are 100 nM Ube1/1 μM UbCH3/400 nM Ub.

FIG. 17: Ube1 and UbCH3 construct comparison (E1+E2 assay)—HTRF. ‘Live Ube1 and UbCH3 assay: E1/E2/Ub/2 mM ATP, varying E1 and E2 constructs at: 100 nM E1+1 μM E2+400 nM Ub. Used anti-6His-K for E1+E2 detection; anti FLAG-K, anti HA-K or anti cMyc-K for E2 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. NiNTA-Ube1 and HA-UbCH3 in a ratio of 100 nM E1+1 μM E2+400 nM Ub assayed at 2 mM ATP; and diluted 10-fold gives the best FRET-signal.

FIG. 18: Ube1 Inhibitor study PYR41 in E1 and E1+E2 assay—HTRF. Inhibitor study: 30 minutes pre-incubation with PYR-41. Assays were immediately diluted followed by addition of 2 mM ATP. Titration of PYR-41 (Calbiochem 662105) from 300 μM to 0.01 μM, IC₅₀=43 μM—E1 (1 μM E1, 2 μM Ub (Anti-6His-K).

IC₅₀=16 μM—E1/E2 (100 nM E1, 1 μM E2, 400 nM Ub (Anti-6-HIS-K)) IC₅₀=20 μM—E1/E2 (as above Anti-FLAG-K). BiogenNova quote IC₅₀ value as ˜5 μM.

FIG. 19: Western blot—Anti phospho p27—E3 assay. Incubated E1/E2/E3/p27Ub/ATP, Anti-phospho-p27 antibody (Millipore 06-996 1/1000). Anti species HRP (Cell Signalling #7074 1/1000). Definite shift in the position of the phospho-p27 band consistent with the poly-ubiquitination of p27.

FIG. 20: Western blot—Anti Phospho p27. Incubated FLAG-p27/CDK2/cyclinE with CDK2/cyclinE (0.1:0.1 mg/ml) and Mg-ATP (2 μM), anti phospho-p27 antibody (Millipore 06-996 1/1000). Anti species HRP (Cell signalling #7074 1/1000). Incubation of p27/CDK2/CyclinE with CDK2/cyclinE and ATP leads to a significant increase in the amount of phospho p27 as detected by Western blot. Max. signal is seen even after 20 minutes.

FIG. 21: ‘Live’ SCF^(skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL. ‘Live’ E1/E2/E3/p27/Ub/ATP (60 minute incubation) tested using ECL platform. No FLAG tagged E2/p27 due to problems encountered in E2 assay. Used c-Myc and HA capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274 (c-Myc), 05-904(HA), 1.500); 5 nM E1; 4 to 1000 nM E2 (HA or c-Myc); 50 nM E3/Cks1; 3.125 to 100 nM p27 (HA of c-Myc); 2 μM Ub; 500 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1 1 μg/ml). Signal indicative of the presence of Ubiquitinated p27 has been observed. c-Myc tagged p27 gives significantly higher signal. Optimum signal at 50 nM p27, 1 μM E2.

FIG. 22: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL E1 vs. E2 titration. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 0.78 to 50 nM E1; 15 to 1000 nM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3/Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 500 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). E1-hyperbolic increase in signal with [E1]. Optimum signal after 25 nM. However, optimum signal/background at 6.25 nM E1. E2—linear increase in signal with [E2]. Final assay concentration set at 1 μM.

FIG. 23 (a): ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL ubiquitin titration. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3/Cks1; 5 to 0.08 μM Ub; 1000 to 15 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Hyperbolic increase in signal with [Ub]. Optimum signal after 2 μM ubiquitin. Largely dependent of ATP concentration. K_(m) values between 0.46 and 0.58 μM. Final assay concentration is set at 2 μM.

FIG. 23 (b): ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL ATP titration. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3/Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 1000 to 7 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Initial experiments indicated a high signal which was independent of ATP concentration (lowest [ATP] of 21 μM)—indicative of tight binding. Repeat experiment showed similar profile with only a moderate decrease at 7 μM ATP. K_(m) estimated at 4 μM. Final assay concentration set at 100 μM.

FIG. 24: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL E3 tetramer/Cks1 titration. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 3 to 100 nM E3/Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Hyperbolic increase in signal with [E3/Cks1]. Optimum signal at 50 nM E3/Cks1. Re-plotting the data between 0 and 25 nM E3/Cks1 indicates a linear relationship. Final assay concentration set at 25 nM.

FIG. 25: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL Cks1 titration—FIXED E3 tetramer. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3 tetramer; 3 to 100 nM Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Linear increase in signal with [Cks1] up to 50 nM followed by plateau. Optimum signal at 50 nM Cks1. Final assay concentration set at 25 nM.

FIG. 26: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL Skp1/Skp2 vs Cull/Rbx1 titration. ‘Live’ E1/E2/E3/p27/Ub/ATP (60 minute incubation) tested using ECL platform. Co-expressions of Skp1/Skp2 and Cull/Rbx1 instead of tetramer. Used c-Myc and HA capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274 (c-Myc), 05-904 (HA), 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA or c-Myc), 25 mM Cks1; 25 nM p27; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; 50 to 1.5 nM Skp1/Skp2; 50 to 3.1 nM Cull/Rbx1; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Optimum signal at 50 nM Cull/Rbx1 and 25 nM Skp1/Skp2.

FIG. 27: Comparison of the Skp1/Skp2 and Cull/Rbx1 co-expressions with the Skp1/Skp2/Cull/Rbx1 tetramer. Indicates very little difference in max signal strength.

FIG. 28: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL time course. Used 10 to 100 minute incubation. 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3 tetramer; 25 nM Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Linear increase in signal with time up to 100 minutes. Experiment repeated to check reproducibility. Comparable signal strength/profile seen for both experiments. High y-intercept may be due to ‘stop’ method. Final reaction time set at 60 minutes.

FIG. 29: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL Z′. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM cMyc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3 tetramer; 25 nM Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; Streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). 1 sector of positive controls with one sector of negative (no Ubiquitin) controls. Total of 3 independent experiments. Signal strength, signal/background ratio, positive control % CV and Z′ all within acceptable limits. Some variation in signal strength.

FIG. 30 (a): ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL Inhibitor study—PYR-41 (E1 inhibitor). Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27 (phosphorylated in the absence of inhibitor); anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; E2 (HA); 25 nM E3 tetramer; 25 nM Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml; titration of PYR41 (Calbiochem 662105) from 300 μM to 10 nM. IC₅₀ of 55 μM—significantly less potent than quoted IC₅₀ against the E1 assay only. BiogenNova quote IC₅₀ value as ˜5 μM vs. E1.

FIG. 30 (b): E1/E2 Assay—ECL Inhibitor study—PYR-41. Used 60 minute incubation; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP. For E1 assay (Anti-His capture) 50 nM E1. For E2 assay (Anti HA-capture) 5 nM E1; 50 nM E2. Used streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml); titration of PYR41 (Calbiochem 662105) from 300 μM to 10 nM. IC₅₀ values of 7.8 and 3.2 μM for the E1 and E2 assays respectively. Significantly more potent than IC₅₀ against the E3 assay.

FIG. 31: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL R140 Kinase inhibitor panel (+PYR-41)

FIG. 32: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL R140 Kinase inhibitor panel. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti-c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3 tetramer; 25 nM Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Several compounds show up as inhibitors—Rottlerin, EGCG, K252c and AG538.

FIG. 33: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL R140 Kinase inhibitor panel. Comparison of the SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) inhibition profile against the CDK2/CyclinE inhibition profile highlights very few similarities.

FIG. 34: ‘Live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) Assay—ECL follow up IC₅₀s. Used 60 minute incubation; 25 nM c-Myc p27; anti c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274, 1/500); 5 nM E1; 1 μM E2 (HA); 25 nM E3 tetramer; 25 nM Cks1; 2 μM Ub; 100 μM ATP; streptavidin sulfo tag (MSD, R32AD-1, 1 μg/ml). Titration of PYR41 (Calbiochem 662105) from 300 μM to 10 nM (control). Titration of Rottlerin, EGCG, AG538 and K252c from 300 μM to 10 nM. PYR-41 IC₅₀ of 84 μM—Comparable to previous IC₅₀ data.

FIG. 35: E1, E2 and E3 assay non-specific binding. E1 assay—anti His capture for specific binding and BSA block only for NSB. Clearly some NSB, however the relative portion of NSB drops as the concentration of E1 is reduced. NSB signal in the E3 assay is unlikely to be particularly high due to the low concentration of E1 present (5 nM).

FIG. 36: E1, E2 and E3 assay non-specific binding. E2 assay—Anti HA capture for specific binding and BSA block only for NSB. No indication of non-specific binding in the E2 assay.

FIG. 37: E1, E2 and E3 assay non-specific binding. E3 assay—anti c-Myc capture for specific binding and BSA block only for NSB. Clearly some NSB, however the relative portion of NSB drops as the concentration of p27 is reduced. Although there is some non-specific binding, it is unlikely to be NSB from the desired captured species.

FIG. 38: E1, E2 and E3 assay non-specific binding. Multiple approaches were employed in order to minimise the E3 assay NSB signal including: Buffer pH; BSA; Salt; detergents; buffers; p27/E3 concentrations; blocking solutions. None were successful.

FIG. 39: Epitope tag, p27 and E2 optimisation in an E3 assay (HTRF). ‘Live’ E3 assay—100 nM E1/1 μM E2 (various epitope tags)/100 nM phospho-p27 (various epitope tags)/100 nM E3/100 nM Cks1/400 nM Ub/2 mM ATP. 20 hour incubation at room temperature. Sampled diluted to varying [phospho-p27] in 1× reaction buffer. Used anti-FLAG-K, HA-K, and c-Myc-K for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. Highest p27 signal derived from FLAG-E2 and c-Myc-E2 with HA-p27.

FIG. 40: E3 assay—His-tagged proteins, E2 and p27 detection (HTRF). E3 assay—100 nM E1/1 μM E2/100 nM phospho-p27/100 nM E3/100 nM Cks1/400 nM Ub/2 mM ATP. 60 minutes incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer. Used anti-His-K for His-tagged protein detection; anti-HA-K for E2-detection; anti-c-Myc-K for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. In the presence of E3 tetramer, a decrease in His-tagged protein and E2 signal strength was observed that did not correspond with an increase in p27 signal strength.

FIG. 41: E3 assay—phospho-p27 vs. E3 tetramer titration (HTRF). E3 assay—100 nM E1/1 μM E2/100 nM phospho-p27/100 nM E3/100 nM Cks1/400 nM Ub/2 mM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer. Used anti-c-Myc-K and HA-K for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. A bell shaped relationship was exhibited for p27 signal strength with varying E3 tetramer concentration irrespective of the E2 and p27 constructs used. The p27 signal obtained is not sufficient for a reliable assay.

FIG. 42: E3 assay—Effect of [Ub-B] on p27 signal (HTRF). E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/50 nM phospho-p27/25 nM E3/25 nM Cks1/400 nM or 2 μM Ub/2 mM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer. Used Anti-HA for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. [Ub-B] had no effect on p27 signal strength in the presence or absence of E3 tetramer.

FIG. 43: HTRF and ECL platform comparison—E3 titration in an E3 assay. E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/50 nM phospho-p27/25 nM E3/25 nM Cks1/2 μM Ub/500 μM ATP. 60 minutes incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to multiple [Ub-B] in 1× reaction buffer for HTRF detection. Used anti-c-Myc-K for p27 detection; c-Myc capture for p27 (Millipore 05-274 (c-Myc), 1/500); biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. A hyperbolic increase in p27 signal generated on the ECL platform compared to no significant p27 signal on the HTRF platform indicated problems with detection capabilities of the HTRF platform.

FIG. 44: E3 assay: Effect of [NaCl] and [SA Xlent] on p27 signal (HTRF). E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/50 nM phospho-p27/25 nM E3/25 nM Cks1/2 μM Ub/500 μM ATP. Incubated for 60 minutes at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer containing varying [NaCl]. Used Anti-HA-K for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin)(Lent! for biotin. [NaCl] had a negative impact on p27 signal strength. Increasing [SA XLent] enhanced signal strength, but above 1 μg/ml the signal to background ratio was not improved.

FIG. 45: E3 assay—effect of E1+E2 pre-charge at varying [Ub-B] (HTRF). E1/E2 pre-charge assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/multiple [Ub-B] 1500 μM ATP. Followed by E3 assay—[phospho-p27] titration/25 nM E3/25 nM Cks1/Ub (final combined concentration=2 μM)/500 μM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer. Used anti-HA-K for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! for biotin. Pre-charging E1+E2 in the presence of varying concentrations of Ub-B had no effect on p27 signal strength or signal to background ratios.

FIG. 46: E3 assay—phospho-p27 vs. Cks1 titration, p27 poly-ubiquitin interchain FRET (HTRF). E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/[phospho-p27] titration/25 nM E3/[Cks1] titration/2 μM Ub-B/500 μM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer. Used anti-HA-K for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! and streptavidin-K for biotin interchain FRET. Both forms of detection exhibited a bell shaped relationship between the concentration of phospho-p27 and signal for each Cks1 concentration tested.

FIG. 47: E3 assay—[donor and acceptor fluorophore] optimisation for p27 poly-ubiquitin interchain FRET (HTRF). E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/100 nM phospho-p27/25 nM E3/200 nM Cks1/1 or 2 μM Ub-B/500 μM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer. Anti-HA-K and anti-HA XL665 for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! and streptavidin-K for biotin interchain FRET. 1 μM Ub-B over 2 μM Ub-B improves signal strength and using a no ubiquitin control the signal to background ratio improves to 28. However, in the absence of E3 tetramer the ratio falls to 1.2 indicating the SA-K and SA) (Lent are potentially binding to other ubiquitinated components.

FIG. 48: Effect of DTT on interchain and p27 signal detection (HTRF). E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/100 nM phospho-p27/25 nM E3/200 nM Cks1/1 or 2 μM Ub-B/500 μM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer containing varying [DTT]. Used anti-HA-K and for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin)(Lent! and streptavidin-K for biotin interchain FRET. Changing the redox environment through the addition of DTT to the diluent had no effect on interchain or p27 signal detection and signal to background ratios.

FIG. 49: E3 assay—p27 signal detection using an anti-phospho-p27 antibody and IgG-Europium cryptate (HTRF). E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/100 nM phospho-p27/25 nM E3/200 nM Cks1/1 μM Ub-B 1500 μM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer. Anti-phospho-p27 (Thr187) antibody (Millipore 06-996) and IgG-K for p27 detection; biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! and for biotin. Using a bridging phospho-specific antibody had no effect on p27 signal, when coupled to a species specific IgG-Europium cryptate and APC.

FIG. 50: HTRF and ECL platform comparison—SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) component knock-out in an E3 assay. E3 assay—5 nM E1/1 μM E2/100 nM phospho-p27/25 nM E3/50 nM Cks1/1 μM Ub-B/500 μM ATP. 60 minute incubation at room temperature. Samples diluted to 40 nM Ub-B in 1× reaction buffer for HTRF detection. Anti-phospho-p27 (Thr187) antibody (Millipore 06-996) and IgG-K for p27 detection; HA capture for p27 (Millipore 04-904(HA), 1/500); biotinylated Ub; streptavidin XLent! and for biotin. HTRF—No difference were detected in the knock-out samples, apart from the no ubiquitin control suggesting non-specific binding of the fluorophores. ECL-ubiquitination of p27 is occurring under the stated conditions.

FIG. 51: Schematic showing a current being passed through an electrode, which in turn causes stimulation of the labelled binding partner, in turn causing a signal to be emitted.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Coding sequences used throughout this study were cloned and validated against appropriate GenBank entries (FIG. 1).

Molecular weights of purified proteins were confirmed by SDS PAGE followed by Western blot analysis.

Assay Development Pilot: Components Upstream of E3

Initial experiments in the pilot phase focussed on establishing that the components upstream of the E3 are active, and then optimising the levels of each component required so that we limit the variables for the E3 assay.

The majority of assays require the use of biotinylated ubiquitin in order to recruit streptavidin linked reporter molecules. Biotinylation reactions were carried out and assessed by ELISA to determine optimal biotin:ubiquitin ratios (FIG. 2).

Results showed that using a labelling ratio of either 2:1 or 5:1 biotin:ubiquitin provided the best signal by ELISA. Higher ratios were detrimental, and lower ratios look to be inefficient.

Positive Controls of Ubiquitinated E1 and/or E2

Prolonged incubation of Ube1 (E1), UbCH3 (E2) and ubiquitin at ratios of 1:1:20 micromolar were set up to generate a positive control of ubiquitinated E1 and/or E2 which could then be used in establishing detection conditions for the HTRF and ECL platforms. Initial SDS polyacrylamide gel-based examination of ubiquitinated E1 and E1/E2 showed that there was a ubiquitination event occurring, with an apparent shift in the molecular weight of E1 (FIG. 3). A decrease in the intensity of the ubiquitin band could also be seen in some samples. The assays were set up with stoichiometric amounts of E1 and E2 and a 20-fold excess of biotinylated ubiquitin. The band shifts were shown to be ATP dependent.

The gels were also probed with an antibody against ubiquitinated species. The antibody does not recognise free ubiquitin. The Western blots for this experiment showed a clear band representing ubiquitinated E1. It was noted at this stage that the intensity of the band for E1 was markedly increased when E2 was present.

Western blot analysis (Anti-mono and polyubiquitinated protein-HRP conjugate) revealed a positive response for Ube1 only in the presence of ATP. This indicates ubiquitination of Ube1. No positive response for UbCH3 was observed in the absence of Ube1. When Ube1 and UbCH3 were added together, we detected a positive response Ube1, which was time dependent.

Developing the Detection Methodology—HTRF

Samples were pre-incubated with equimolar amounts of the E1 and E2, and bio-ubiquitin and a dilution step was adopted to reduce the amount of E1 in the detect step to 10 nM. This resulted in encouraging ratios, indicating that the format was detecting the presence of ubiquitinated E1 and E2

FIG. 4 shows the bell-shaped curve typical of a titration in this format of assay.

The initial experiments were all carried out using prolonged incubation times to try to ensure that the reaction had progressed as far as it was likely to go in order to try to maximise the population of ubiquitinated E1 or E2 (FIG. 4).

Subsequent assays brought the incubation times to a more realistic period. The 60 minute live assay (i.e. not pre-incubating) using a 2-way checkerboard for E1 and bio-ubiquitin showed that the HTRF ratio will form in this time-frame. Samples were again diluted to 10 nM E1 detection concentrations (FIG. 5).

The amount of bio-ubiquitin excess over the E1 concentration is critical, else the signal gets lost in the background.

All HTRF specific reagents were from Cisbio, including: Streptavidin-Xlent (611 SAXLB), Anti-6His-K (61 HISKLA), Anti-FLAG-K (61FG2KLA), and were used at concentrations specified by the manufacturer.

Developing the Mthodology—ECL

Unlike the HTRF format, the ECL assay is a wash format assay. The initial experiments using the pre-incubated material of 1:1:20 E1:E2:Bio-Ub at 2 mM ATP showed a signal response dependent on the amount of E1 or E2 present. The experiment enabled the selection of the type of plate (high bind vs low bind) and the selection of capture antibody concentrations for subsequent experiments (FIG. 6). It also indicated that the E2 was becoming ubiquitinated (FIG. 7).

While the assay format is wash based, it has been shown that the concentration of bio-ubiquitin that can be used is not limitless, and will contribute to a significant background. Reducing the amount of bio-ubiquitin in the assay restores the SB accordingly. An E1 titration gives a good response, and there are hints of sigmoidal behaviour (FIG. 8).

The next steps for this format are the bio-ubiquitin and ATP titrations to establish the concentrations that will be considered non-rate limiting in downstream ubiquitination assays. The E2 also needs to be titrated into the system. There are 3 E2 molecules available, and the best performing one will be selected for the final stage of the pilot study.

Continued Optimisation Using the ECL Assay

Continuing with the E1 protein optimisation, ATP and ubiquitin titrations were performed to identify the conditions which are saturating, or non-rate limiting, for the E1 section of the cascade (FIG. 9).

The results suggest that after 2 micromolar Ubiquitin and at 500 micromolar ATP, there is no additional signal generation. These concentrations have therefore been taken as the saturating conditions for the E1 protein.

Following the identification of the ATP and ubiquitin concentrations to use, a time-course of signal generation was followed, to determine a linear part of the reaction velocity curve to use for subsequent inhibitor experiments (FIG. 10).

What was found was that the reaction appears to happen very quickly, in fact within the dead time of setting up the assay. The fast nature will be an advantage in downstream events with the E2 and E3 assays.

For the IC₅₀ determination of Pyr-41, the data shown is that from a 30 minute pre-incubation and a 30 minute assay. The assay was performed in a separate plate and then transferred. For information purposes, another set of assays were performed within the capture/detect plate and stopped immediately by washing off the assay solution, or washed after 60 min. It was interesting to note that even with the wash at time 0 an IC₅₀ for the compound that was in line with the data shown could still be determined.

Reported values for the inhibitor are in the low micromolar range (FIG. 11).

The detection of ubiquitinated E2 was explored, initially using material that had been pre-incubated for 24 hrs. Equimolar E1, E2 and ubiquitin were used for this preliminary experiment, and the concentration of capture antibody determined. The results below are representative, and all 3 E2 constructs were tested.

This experiment was followed up with an E1 vs E2 checkerboard using 2 micromolar ubiquitin and 500 micromolar ATP, concentrations determined to be optimal for the E1 ubiquitination previously. The assay was this time set up in a live format rather than use material from a prolonged incubation (FIG. 12).

Lower concentrations of E1 were tried in an attempt to bring down any background (FIG. 13). The lower range of E1 seemed to retain a decent E2 specific signal and also reduced non-specifics.

The assay for the E3 ubiquitination of p27 was trialled, initially using conditions described in the Xu paper (Xu et al, 2007, JBC, 282 15462-470), and then using conditions identified in-house. The former also included a capture antibody titration for the FLAG-tagged p27 (FIG. 14).

Both experiments demonstrate a signal for the ubiquitinated p27. The latter also indicates that the higher concentrations of p27 may be detrimental.

Continued Optimisation Using the HTRF Format

The progress with the E1 assay was continued by optimising the conditions for generation of signal.

A time course for the assay was examined initially using equimolar concentrations of the E1, E2 and ubiquitin.

Similar to the ECL format, the time-course in the HTRF assay indicates a very fast reaction (FIG. 15).

E2 was titrated against fixed concentrations of Ub and E1. The detection of ubiquitination was configured in two ways, using Anti-6His-K and Anti-FLAG-K. The former should detect the combination of ubiquitinated E1 and E2 as both carry a 6His tag, while the latter will detect the E2 ubiquitination only.

From the titration of E1 vs E2, concentrations of E1 and E2 were chosen for the ubiquitin titration, again detected with two configurations to arrive at conditions shown below for E1, E2, and Ub (100 nM E1, 1000 nM E2, 400 nM Ub) (FIG. 16).

The samples require dilution to a lower concentration than used in the assay, and by using the dilution methodology, workable ratios have been obtained. The diluent itself has also proven to be important, as diluting in the Stop solution, which contains EDTA (120 mM), does reduce the signal window compared to stopping the assay and then diluting in reaction buffer.

The various constructs of E2 and the two different E1 purifications were tested under the conditions derived above to see if some of the variables could be reduced.

The bar chart on the next slide shows the different ratios observed for the E1/E2 and the specific E2 signals. A common dilution for detecting for both the E1 and E2 was identified (1/10 which gives 10 nM E1 in the detection), and it is this shown in FIG. 17.

Using conditions identified previously, an IC₅₀ determination for Pyr-41 using the E1 and E1/E2 assays was performed. The results show a marked difference in inhibitor potency compared to literature values and that determined in the ECL format. This may be a reflection of the higher enzyme concentrations used in the HTRF assay step (FIG. 18).

Continued Optimisation Using Western Blots

As well as the ECL and HTRF assay formats, material has been examined by using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting to verify the presence (or absence) of ubiquitinated or phosphorylated material (FIG. 19).

The blots above show results from probing the membranes with an anti-phospho-p27 antibody. There is a clear indication that the p27 band has shifted, which could be interpreted as ubiquitination. The different loadings are 10, 20, 30 & 40 microliters of sample from right to left. It should be noted that there was not sufficient sample for the 40 microliter loading (estimated at 20 μL), so the signal is reduced from what would be expected.

On the right hand panel, a smear also appears in the No E1 lane. While this could mean that the E1 is not obligate, we have not seen this effect in either of the other assay formats, and so could also be a small contamination during the setup of this assay. Distinct banding can be seen in the lane with all components at 2 micromolar ubiquitin.

FIG. 20 also shows anti-phospho-p27, this time from experiments designed to identify conditions to ensure a good level of phosphorylation which is required for the p27 to be ubiquitinated. It would appear that incubating the p27 with additional CDK2/Cyclin E and ATP for 20 minutes would suffice to ensure good phosphorylation.

ECL Format—E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Assay

Continuing with the E3 assay optimisation, p27 and E2 titrations were carried out using multiple tagging options on the E2 and p27 proteins.

The results indicate that the optimum signal was achieved when pairing the HA-E2 with the c-Myc-p27. This combination was used for all further E3 assay optimisation experiments.

Titrating the p27 against the E2 enzymes indicates an optimal signal strength at 1 μM E2 and 50 nM p27 (FIG. 21).

Following the identification of the optimum ‘tag’ pairing, an E1 vs. E2 checkerboard titration was performed in order to identify the optimum conditions for these assay components (FIG. 22).

E1—Hyperbolic increase in signal with increasing E1 concentration with a signal plateau after 25 nM. However, due to the relatively high non-specific signal which originates from the E1 enzyme (LB1805p12-15) the signal to background (No E2 background) ratio was taken into consideration when identifying a final assay concentration for the E1 enzyme in the E3 assay. The maximum signal to background is seen between 3.125 and 12.5 nM E1. Final assay concentration of E1 set at 5 nM.

E2—Approximately linear increase in signal with increasing E2 concentration. Unlike the E1 enzyme, non-specific binding is not a problem (LB1805p35-37). Although it appears that the signal will continue to increase with increasing E2 concentration, in the interests of minimising the total amount of protein and the assay costs, the E2 concentration was set at 1 μM.

Continuing with the E3 assay component optimization, ubiquitin and ATP titrations were performed to identify saturating, or at least non-rate limiting, conditions (FIGS. 23 (a) and (b)).

For each concentration of ATP tested, a hyperbolic increase in signal with increasing ubiquitin concentration was observed, with a signal plateau after approximately 2 μM. Fitting the data to a hyperbolic function generated apparent K_(M) values for ubiquitin binding at multiple ATP concentrations. All of the apparent K_(M) values were between 0.46 and 0.58 μM ubiquitin.

The initial titration of ATP at multiple concentrations of ubiquitin demonstrated a high signal which was independent of ATP concentration (LB1805p80-83). A repeat of this experiment using lower concentrations of ATP (LB1805p87-89) again showed a signal largely independent of ATP concentration with only a moderate decrease at 7 μM ATP. The apparent K_(M) value was estimated at 4 μM.

Final assay concentrations were set at 2 μM ubiquitin and 100 μM ATP.

Next, the E3 components Skp1/Skp2/Cull/Rbx1 and Cks1 were titrated together (FIG. 24). The concentration of the E3 tetramer (Skp1/Skp2/Cull/Rbx1) was set according to the concentration of the component which was least prevalent in the co-expression (Skp2). The Cks1 concentration was set as equimolar to the concentration of the component which was least prevalent in the co-expression (Skp2).

A hyperbolic increase in signal with increasing E3/Cks1 concentration was observed, with a signal plateau after 50 nM. Re-plotting the data from 0 to 25 nM E3/Cks1 indicates a linear relationship between the signal and the E3/Cks1 concentration. Although the maximum signal is observed at 50 nM E3/Cks1, a final assay concentration of 25 nM was chosen to ensure that the assay was within the linear region.

Finally, the Cks1 component was titrated against a fixed concentration of the E3 tetramer (25 nM). A hyperbolic increase in signal with increasing Cks1 concentration was observed, with a signal plateau after 50 nM. Although the maximum signal is observed at 50 nM Cks1, a final assay concentration of 25 nM was chosen to ensure the assay is within the linear range (FIG. 25).

Table 1 shows the final ‘live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) ECL assay concentrations.

TABLE 1 Final ‘live’ SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) ECL assay concentrations Final Assay Concen- Component tration Reference 6His-UBE1-(hu,FL) (E1)  5 nM LB1805p71-73 HA,6His-UbcH3-(hu,FL) (E2)  1 μM LB1805p71-73 c-Myc Phospho-p27-(hu,FL) co-expressed  25 nM LB1805p53-57 with UT-CDK2-(hu,FL), 6His-Cyclin E1- (hu,FL), 6His-Skp2-(isoform 1, hu,FL), GST-Skp1-  25 nM LB1805p84-86 (hu,FL), 6His-Cul1-(hu,FL), UT-Rbx1- (hu,FL) (E3 tetramer) 6His-Cks1-(hu,FL)  25 nM LB1805p112-113 ATP 100 μM LB1805p87-89 Biotinylated Ubiquitin  2 μM LB1805p80-83 Trialling Different E3 Co-Expressions

The preceding E3 experiments were all carried out using an E3 comprised of a Skp1/Skp2/Cull/Rbx1 tetramer alongside Cks1. Several other co-expressions were also available. Both a Skp1/Skp2 and a Cull/Rbx1 co-expression were available with sufficient purity/yield to be used in an assay. A titration of these 2 components against each other was carried out in comparison to the tetramer co-expression. The concentration of the Skp1/Skp2 or Cull/Rbx1 was set according to the concentration of the component which was least prevalent. The optimum conditions were seen at 25 nM Skp1/Skp2, 50 nM Cull/Rbx1 in the presence of 25 nM Cks1. The comparison of the Skp1/Skp2 with Cull/Rbx1 co-expressions against the Skp1/Skp2/Cull/Rbx1 tetramer showed a largely similar max signal strength (FIG. 26). As all the previous experiments were carried out using the tetramer it was decided that all remaining assay development should be completed using the tetramer. Depending on the expression levels, yields and purities of the different co-expressions, this approach offers an alternative approach.

Comparison of the Skp1/Skp2 and Cull/Rbx1 co-expressions with the Skp1/Skp2/Cull/Rbx1 tetramer indicates very little difference in max signal strength.

The tetramer was used for future experiments for ease of use and to corroborate with previous data (FIG. 27).

Time-Course Assays

Following the identification of optimal conditions for all of the assay components, a time-course (0-100 minutes) was carried out to determine a linear part of the reaction velocity curve to set for future inhibitor work (FIG. 28). The experiment was performed on 2 different days to check the reproducibility of the data. In both experiments, a comparable and an approximately linear relationship is observed between the reaction time and the signal strength. The reaction time for future experiments was set at 60 minutes. It is evident that the data does not pass through the origin as would be expected but intercepts the y-axis. This may be a result of the ‘stop’ method. The assay stop contains EDTA which sequesters metal ions and hence prevents the Mg-ATP complex necessary for E1 function. However, the relatively large amount of E2 present means that even after the E1 has been halted, there may still be some ubiquitinated E2 present capable of p27 biotinylation leading to a ‘lag’ period after the stop has been added and an artificially high signal at each time point.

In order to assess the reproducibility of the final assay conditions, a Z′ assay was carried out (FIG. 29)—64 wells (1 sector) of positive controls and 64 wells of negative (no ubiquitin) controls. The experiment was performed 3 different times to assess the reproducibility of the data. In each case the signal strength, signal/background ratio, positive control % CV and Z′ values were within acceptable limits (Z′>0.6 (Zhang, Ji-Hu, Journal of Biomolecular Screening, Vol. 4, No. 2, 67-73 (1999)), % CV<15%).

Inhibitor Studies

Each of the assays in the p27 ubiquitination cascade (E1, E2 and E3) were tested against the E1 inhibitor PYR-41. No pre-charging of either the E1 or E2 was carried out prior to the introduction of the compound although in the E3 assay, p27 phosphorylation by CDK2/Cyclin E was carried out in the absence of inhibitor.

IC₅₀ values of 7.8 and 3.2 μM were generated for the E1 and E2 assays respectively—Comparable to the reported value of ˜5 μM (Calbiochem). However, a significantly less potent IC₅₀ of 55 μM was seen for the E3 assay (FIGS. 30 (a) and (b)).

In order to test the feasibility of screening the E3 assay against a range of inhibitors, the assay was tested against a panel of 41 inhibitors (40 known kinase inhibitors and PYR-41) (FIG. 31). As expected, the PYR-41 showed a high degree of inhibition (>80%), and several other inhibitors also indicated moderate amounts of inhibition (Rottlerin, EGCG and K252c) (FIGS. 32 and 33). Using the same assay conditions, the E3 assay was tested against these inhibitors (FIG. 33). Both the Rottlerin and the EGCG inhibitors give IC₅₀ values in the μM range. The K252c inhibitor would appear to be a false positive result. One potential concern was that the inhibition was the result of inhibition of the CDK2/Cyclin E (and hence phosphorylation of the p27), despite the fact that phosphorylation was carried out in the absence of inhibitor. Comparison of the inhibition profiles for both the E3 assay and Cdk2/Cyclin E shows that this is not the case (FIG. 34).

Non-Specific Binding Assays

Non-specific binding has previously been identified as a potential problem for both the biotinylated-ubiquitin on its own and for the E1 enzyme in the E2 assay. The NSB signal for the ubiquitin was minimized by limiting the amount of ubiquitin in the assay to 2 μM. Similarly, limiting the concentration of E1 enzyme in both the E2 and E3 assays to 5 nM allows decent E2 specific signal whilst reducing the non-specific signal from the E1 (FIG. 35).

Similar experiments have shown that non-specific binding signal is not a problem in the E2 assay. This indicates that under the E2 assay conditions neither the E2 (at any concentration), E1 (at 5 nM) or the ubiquitin (at 2 μM) contributes to a non-specific signal (FIG. 36).

Similar experiments have also been carried out for the E3 assay (FIG. 37). We again see a non-specific signal. However, our previous experiments have indicated that this signal is not the result of the E1 (at 5 nM), the ubiquitin (at 2 μM) or the E2 at any concentration. We must infer therefore that the NSB signal is the result of NSB from either the E3 or from the p27 complex. Further experiments have indicated that it is likely to be NSB of the p27 substrate itself. As a result, the non-specific signal is not an issue when testing the E3 assay.

Multiple approaches have been employed to minimize the proportion of non-specific signal (FIG. 38).

HTRF Format—E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Assay

Three different epitope tags were initially employed to probe the SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) assay. The following tagged combinations of E2 and p27 were tested in an E3 assay (Table 2).

TABLE 2 Tagged combinations of E2 and p27 tested in E3 assay E2-Tag p27-Tag FLAG HA FLAG c-Myc HA c-Myc HA FLAG c-Myc HA c-Myc FLAG

The results show the variation in signal with p27 concentration for each of the combinations tested, read after 20 hr on a BMG PHERAstar. An increase in signal was detected with increasing concentration of p27 (FIG. 39). Phospho-p27 ubiquitination and hence signal strength should be maximised following a 20 hr incubation as previously identified in an anti-phospho-p27 Western blot (LB1805p74-77). The highest signal achieved was from the FLAG-E2/HA-p27.

Following the identification of best ‘tag’ pairings, p27, E2 and His-tagged protein signal strength was determined in an E3 assay in the presence or absence of E3 tetramer and phospho-p27 (FIG. 40).

In the presence of E3 tetramer, a decrease in His-tagged protein and E2 signal strength was observed that did not correspond with an increase in p27 signal strength. If phospho-p27 was excluded from the assay, but E3 tetramer was still present, a decrease in E2 and His-tagged protein signal strength was still observed.

The decrease in E2 signal strength suggests the transfer of Ub-B to another component in the SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) ubiquitin ligase complex or to the substrate—phospho-p27. Detection may not be possible through steric hindrance by other complex components, tag combinations on the E2 and p27 constructs, or the distance between the fluorophores may be just too great to form a complex.

Continuing with the E3 assay optimization, FLAG-E2 and HA-p27 was tested alongside the HA-E2 and c-Myc-p27 via a phospho-p27 vs. E3 tetramer checkerboard to establish a p27 signal.

As you titrate in more E3 tetramer at increasing concentrations of phospho-p27, a bell shaped relationship was exhibited for p27 signal strength with varying E3 tetramer concentration (FIG. 41). No difference in trend was observed between the combinations. However as higher p27 signal was being obtained with the FLAG-E2 and HA-p27 combination, this combination was used for subsequent HTRF experiments. Note that the signal for p27 detection is still not sufficient to enable a reliable assay.

Further optimization of the E3 assay was investigated through an ubiquitin titration in the presence or absence of E3 tetramer. No improvement in p27 signal strength was observed as you titrate in more ubiquitin (FIG. 42).

HTRF/ECL Comparison

Next, the extent of p27 signal detection in the HTRF and ECL platforms were compared in an E3 assay via an E3 titration (FIG. 43).

A hyperbolic increase in signal generated on the ECL platform with increasing E3 tetramer concentration. A linear relationship between the signal and the E3 tetramer concentration was observed up to 25 nM E3 tetramer, with a signal plateau after 50 nM. No significant p27 signal was observed on the HTRF platform, giving a clear indication of problems with the detection capabilities of the HTRF platform.

To improve the detection capabilities, the effect of sodium chloride on SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) complex disruption and p27 signal was investigated in an E3 assay, with or without E3 tetramer (FIG. 44). Signal interference from branched or long p27 poly-ubiquitin chains was also determined by optimising acceptor fluorophore concentration (SA XLent).

Improving Detection Capabilities

The introduction of NaCl had a negative impact on signal strength. Increasing the concentration of acceptor fluorophore enhances signal strength, but above 1.0 μg/ml SA XLent the signal to background ratio is not improved. Therefore 1.25 μg/ml acceptor fluorophore concentration was used in subsequent experiments.

Pre-Charging

As increased acceptor fluorophore enhanced signal strength and signal to background ratio, it indicated that potentially long or branched poly-ubiquitin chains were forming on p27. Proximity distance between the donor and acceptor fluorophores influences signal strength. Therefore, if a pre-charge of E1+E2 with biotinylated ubiquitin was initially carried out, followed by an E3 assay in the presence of naked ubiquitin, it was hypothesised that only the ubiquitin molecules at the start of the poly-ubiquitin chain would be biotinylated. Hence SA XLent (acceptor fluorophore) would bind to these hereby reducing the distance to its donor fluorophore.

Therefore, a pre-charge of E1+E2 with varying concentrations of Ub-B, followed by an E3 assay in the presence of naked ubiquitin (so the final ubiquitin concentration is constant) were investigated (FIG. 45).

Pre-charging E1+E2 in the presence of varying concentrations of Ub-B had no effect on p27 signal strength or signal to background ratios.

As an E1+E2 pre-charge with Ub-B had no effect, polyubiquitin interchain FRET formation was re-investigated using streptavidin labelled with either Europium cryptate or APC in equimolar concentrations, as well as p27 signal, in an E3 assay via a Cks1 vs. phospho-p27 checkerboard (FIG. 46).

The variation in interchain and p27 signal for each Cks1 concentration tested is shown below. Both exhibited a bell shaped relationship between the concentration of phospho-p27 and signal. The ratios obtained in the interchain detection were low due to the high europium signal. However, on analysing the APC component, signals of 8000-10000 RFU were observed but the trend to the europium/APC ratio didn't alter. Therefore, optimisation of the SA-K and SA XLent concentrations in the detection mix was investigated to give the best signal ratio possible for interchain detection.

Optimising [SA-K] and [SA XLent] for Interchain Detection

Optimisation of the SA-K and SA XLent concentrations for interchain detection was investigated in a E3 assay in the presence or absence of E3 tetramer and Ub-B; at two Ub-B concentrations. In this assay a different form of FRET architecture was investigated were the donor fluorophore was attached to biotinylated ubiquitin and the acceptor fluorophore was on the epitope tag (FIG. 47).

1 μM Ub-B over 2 μM Ub-B improves signal strength and using a No Ubiquitin control the signal to background ratio improves to 28 (+E3/No Ub-B). However, when the E3 tetramer is excluded from the assay the signal to background ratio falls to 1.2 (+E3/No E3) indicating that SA-K and SA XLent are potentially binding to other ubiquitinated components (E1/E2/Skp2 in E3 tetramer/free Ub-B) in the sandwich complex, and due to their close proximity are able to form a FRET complex thus impacting falsely on the overall signal and ratio.

Investigating Non-Specific Signals

Since SA-K and SA)(Lent fluorophores could be binding to other ubiquitinated components, breakage of ubiquitin bonds specific to E1, E2 and E3, over ubiquitin inter-bondage in the polyubiquitin chain may improve the non-specific signal seen in a no E3 control.

DTT was investigated as a reducing agent to change the redox environment of the diluent, thereby attempting to specifically break thiol ester bonds between the C-terminal carboxyl group and an active site cysteine on the E1 and E2 but not the isopeptide bond between the carboxyl group of Gly⁷⁶ on one ubiquitin molecule and the s-amino group of Lys⁴⁸ on another ubiquitin molecule. An E3 assay was carried out in the presence or absence of E3 tetramer (FIG. 48).

Changing the redox environment through the addition of DTT to the diluent had no effect on interchain and p27 signal detection and signal to background ratios.

Effect of Anti-Phospho-p27 Dilution and [IgG-K] on Ubiquitinated p27 Signal Detection

Since the substrate for the SCF^(Skp2/Cks1) assay is p27 phosphorylated on Thr¹⁸⁷, a bridging approach was used to bring the donor and acceptor fluorophores closer together through the use of a rabbit-derived anti-phospho-p27 (Thr187) antibody (Millipore 06-996). Formation of the FRET complex will be completed through a donor fluorophore of IgG-Cryptate and an acceptor fluorophore of SA XLent. An E3 assay was carried out in the presence or absence of E3 tetramer to investigate this approach (FIG. 49).

Using a bridging phospho-specific antibody has no effect on p27 signal, when coupled to a species specific IgG-Europium cryptate and APC. Therefore, in the presence of a large sandwich complex it appears that other complex components are somehow hindering association of the antibody and fluorophores to the ubiquitinated phospho-p27, or that the distance between the fluorophores still remains too great.

Knock-Out Experiments

To confirm that detection issues surround the HTRF platform, a knock-out experiment was carried out where each component in the complex was systematically removed and samples were detected in parallel on the HTRF and MSD ECL platforms (FIG. 50). As a positive control, optimised samples used to calculate Z′ values for the MSD platform assay were also analysed.

No differences were detected in the knock-out samples, apart from the No Ubiquitin controls indicating that in the presence of these complexes non-specific binding of the Streptavidin-Europium cryptate and APC is occurring which is masking any p27 poly-ubiquitinated interchain signal. When these samples are detected in parallel on the MSD ECL platform it is very clear that ubiquitination of p27 is occurring under the stated conditions but due to proximity fluorophore distances being too great or the solution format, it is not possible to detect this ubiquitination using the HTRF platform.

The best signal to noise background obtained using an epitope tagged Europium cryptate and an acceptor APC fluorophore was 2 to 1 irrespective of sample origin. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of assaying ubiquitination in a sample comprising: a) combining in the sample under conditions suitable for ubiquitination to take place and in the presence of a solid surface: (i) ubiquitin; (ii) E1; (iii) E2; (iv) E3; and (v) a substrate protein; wherein each of components (ii), (iii), (iv), and (v) comprise an immobilisation tag which facilitates immobilisation of the component onto a solid surface and wherein each immobilisation tag is different; b) exposing the sample to a labelled binding partner which is specific for the ubiquitin; and c) measuring the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to any one of the components (ii) to (v) in the sample; wherein step (c) is performed two or more times in a single assay in order to measure the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to two or more of components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) in the sample, wherein each of the measured components (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) are separated by being immobilized on the solid surface and the level of ubiquitination of two or more of the measured components (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) are measured simultaneously and/or sequentially to determine the amount of labelled ubiquitin bound to two or more of the components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) in the sample without changing the assay composition.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the labelled binding partner is capable of emitting light when electrochemically stimulated.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the immobilization tags present on each of the components (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) are selected from the group consisting of: a his tag; GST tag; HA tag; c-Myc tag and FLAG tag.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein step (a) further comprises combining with the sample a potential modulator of ubiquitination.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the ubiquitin comprises a tag.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the ubiquitin tag is recognised by the labelled binding partner.
 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the ubiquitin tag is capable of interacting with the labelled binding partner to produce a detectable signal.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the ubiquitin tag and labelled binding partner form a FRET pair.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more of components (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) are immobilised on the solid surface.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the solid surface is an electrode.
 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the solid surface comprises a binding member which is specific for one of the immobilisation tags.
 12. The method according to claim 9 which comprises an additional wash step, (b′), which occurs between steps (b) and (c) and removes unbound components from the solid surface. 